What are the benefits of using a cable company's DVR service?

Answer

TiVo isn't the only option for digital video recording. TiVo just happened to hit the market early and it became popular fast. You have an option of using DVR receiver services from your cable company. This option usually requires no hardware as the DVR receiver is integrated with your program menu. You simply order the service from your cable company, and you’ll be able to use your DVR services straight from your program menu and remote.

There are benefits for using your cable company’s DVR service.

• No hardware to purchase. Considering some DVRs are in the $600 range, this can be a nice savings. For instance, you pay at the minimum $100 for the TiVo DVR and then you pay $12 per month for your service. Note: This may not be true for all cable DVR services. Some may require you to lease a DVR or upgrade to digital cable box. Consult your cable company to see which options apply to you.

• No installation required. While installing your DVR is quite simple, there is no need to make an installation appointment or fiddle with hard-to-understand instructions. Usually a call to your cable company is all you need to order your service.

• One monthly fee. Now, this may not be a benefit if your cable company’s fee is high. But, considering most are competing with DVR hardware, like TiVo, prices could be competitive for sometime.

• Easy access to features. Often, your features and "tools" are accessible from a graphic selection screen on your TV. These are often set up very simple and only require a few steps to view your options. Most of your DVR use will be from the remote. You press Pause to pause your show and Play to resume – just like your standard VCR or DVD player.

First answer by Cynthia. Last edit by Cynthia. Contributor trust: 205 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 76 [recommend question]