Should you buy a DVR like TiVo or get the service from your cable company?

Answer

Getting service from a cable company is generally cheaper. Most cable company's DVR service seem to run approx. $10 per month, in addition to your current cable company bill. Generally, there is no equipment to purchase so the only cost you pay is your monthly bill. Note: This may or may not be the case with your cable company. Consult your cable company for exact pricing and terms for DVR service.

Purchasing your own DVR can mean anywhere from roughly $100 (for a standard TiVo DVR) to $600 for some higher-end DVRs. The higher-end DVRs include fancy features such as DVD recording and the like. Plus, you may pay an additional monthly fee, ($12 per month for TiVo, for example).

While purchasing your DVR may be more expensive initially, your DVR offers more features and flexibility than your cable company's service.

• • alternate response**

In my neck of the woods (South FL)renting a cable DVR is $8 monthly for the hardware rental and an additional $5 for programming service. I pay $5 a month for a DirecTV DVR programming with a hardware lump sum cost of $50 (the hardware is often available for free with a new installation)

First answer by Ike. Last edit by Ajmedoff. Contributor trust: 64 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 73 [recommend question]