My wife would like to record TV shows. We used to use tapes, but now have DIRECTV. We will watch the shows and probably never watch them again. After researching for a few hours online I have come to the conclusion that getting the DIRECTV service may be the best way to go. My friend really likes his TiVo, but I'm not sure it would work as well with my system.

What are your suggestions?

With the satellite services, you need to use their DVRs with their own software. DirecTV currently offers the HR21/HR22/HR23 DVRs and Dish Network offers the ViP612/ViP622/ViP722/ViP722K. Both are $0-$99 for new customers and $99-$199 for existing customers. Dish Network also charges a $5.99/mo fee for every DVR you have, while DirecTV charges one $5.99/mo DVR fee for an unlimited number of DVRs.

Dish Network offers more low-cost programming packages, while DirecTV offers a somewhat better picture and more sports packages (including NFL Sunday Ticket).

The best overall satellite DVR available is the Dish ViP722K from Dish Network, after accounting for functionality and performance. The functionality on the DirecTV DVRs is good too, but they can be very unresponsive (i.e. slow) at times. DirecTV is expected to offer new and improved DVR hardware with the TiVo software as an option in early 2010. Dish Network is also expected to launch its next-generation ViP922 DVR in December/January.

With both providers, activating a DVR requires a new two-year contract.

...while DirecTV charges one $5.99/mo DVR fee for an unlimited number of DVRs.

In addition to a $4.99/month fee for each additional DVR (or receiver) beyond the 1st one.

Not nitpicking, as I'm sure you're aware of this.... just a little clarification for the newbie.