New PVR Comparison Chart

[Chris Blount]

Karl F has graciously donated his time on typing up a PVR Comparison Chart. Check it out at:

http://www.dbstalk.com/pvr_comparison.htm

Thanks Karl!

[James_F]

I like the Chart! Good job Karl! :goodjob:

[DishOwner]

Good job!

A couple of things missing:
Caller ID:
721, 508, 501 - YES
UTV, TiVo - NO

PIP Guide and menus:
721, 508, 501, UTV - YES
TiVo, NO

30 second skip button
721, 508, 501 - YES
UTV - ?
TiVo - NO (can be hacked)

[John Corn]

Wow....very nice Karl, Thanks a million. :righton:

[James_F]

"buffer recording"

I don't understand this... The Tivo records everything into the buffer and they displays it as "live tv". Anyone who has a Tivo knows that it is a couple of seconds behind the actual live action. Maybe I'm confused...

[Fish Man]

Originally posted by James_F
"buffer recording"

I don't understand this... The Tivo records everything into the buffer and they displays it as "live tv". Anyone who has a Tivo knows that it is a couple of seconds behind the actual live action. Maybe I'm confused...

Perhaps "buffer recording" means that the live buffer can be saved permanently.

If this is the case, then "no" is incorrect for DirecTiVO. DirecTiVO can do this.

If you are watching a program on a DirecTiVO "live", and press the "record" button, all of the currently running program contained in the "live buffer" will be saved.

So, if you had been on the channel prior to the beginning of the program, and decided to press "record" less than 30 minutes into the program, you'll get a recording of the entire program. :)

BTW:

Awesome job Karl!

Thanks!! :hi:

[James_F]

Thats what I thought. Its nice to see how all the different PVRs line up. Maybe someone could add the SA Tivo and ReplayTV functions for comparison...

[DishOwner]

The direct Tivo can not always save the entire buffer. It can only save the buffer for the show that is currently on (live). For example say you're watching a 30 min show and after it ends you decide you want to save it. If it's over it's too late! On Dish PVR's you can back up and record that show.

[James_F]

So that is what is meant by the buffer in this sense???

[spanishannouncetable]

Nice work on the list :righton:

I posted this at the tivocommunity first, then moved it here -

These should be added -

Hard drive upgradeable by user -
Dish 721/508/501 - no
UltimateTV - yes* *can replace stock drive w/larger
DirecTiVo - yes** **can replace stock w/larger or add second drive

Max. hours of recording after user upgrade -
Dish 721/508/501 - n/a
UltimateTV - 106 (highest I know of, maybe as high as 120 w/a 160g drive)
DirecTiVo - 240+