can i record shows off the tv with a DVR or do i HAVE to buy a TIVO?

Answer 1

They're the same thing. For a DVR you would pay for the service through your cable/satelite provider, and for TiVo you pay for TiVo's service. But they do the same thing. Your cable company could save you on purchasing the actual receiver. You have to purchase a TiVo, then subscribe. Most cable companies will swap out your digital box for a DVR box and then bill you for the service, so there is no purchase involved.

Answer 2

Hi jahnine,

You can record with any DVR. All you lose by not having a TiVo is the ease and flexibility a TiVo offers. You can manually record with any DVR.

Norm

Answer 3

Yes you can use most DVR's. Just remember that if it is for DirecTV then you need a DirecTV DVR. There are other options for making your own DVR with a Internet Connection so it can get the TV guides from the internet. Chekc out these links.
http://www.dvrplayground.com/category/9/Homebrew-and-DIY

http://www.dvrplayground.com/article/14261/MythTV-and-TiVo-Series-3-Comparison--Battle-of-Open-Source-and-Proprietary-DVRs/

http://www.dvrplayground.com/article/13531/Free-TiVo--Build-a-Better-DVR-out-of-an-Old-PC/

http://www.dvrplayground.com/article/12576/Hack-Attack--Build-your-own-DVR/

Answer 4

My sister uses her computer to record shows and she has Dish Network. She's then able to copy them to a DVD-R or a DVD-RW disk. So I'd say if you set things up probably you don't need TIVO.

Answer 5

because you're asking, the answer isn't any. TiVo classes are kept as encrypted files on the confusing rigidity that you in basic terms isn't waiting to decrypt. It *is* achieveable to hack a TiVo to instruct off the encryption, yet in basic terms shows recorded AFTER the encryption is grew to grow to be off might want to be exported. this is too previous by way of do some thing with the records you've already got. It needs to be understood that DVRs are in basic terms elementary computers, and they use regularly occurring computer confusing drives for storage. All confusing drives at last fail, and DVR drives are continuously operating, and continuously recording, even if you're deliberately recording a instruct or no longer (they list the most suitable 30/60 minutes of even with station the tuner is on). therefore, a DVR confusing rigidity lives an truly, very confusing existence, and they are liable to wearing out speedier than the overall computer. 3 years is a first rate lifespan less than those circumstances. Copying shows to a VCR, or analog-taking pictures them into your computer and burning them to DVD, are surely thoughts. the former provide you with mediocre high quality, and the latter takes assorted time, even with the reality that the outcomes are a lot more advantageous helpful. almost any significant instruct is for sale on DVD in case you fairly elect it. Discovery makes in basic terms about all their shows available on DVD, so if this is fairly significant to you, it truly is an decision.

Answer 6

nope i have dvr and it woks great

Answer 7

if you have cable, yes.