I received a TIVO for a Christmas gift and before I subscribe to the service I thought I'd reach out to my fellow outlaws for a little buying advice. I have the 80-hr TiVo® Series2™ DT DVR, , that I'm about ready to spend $300 on for a 3 year subscription. They are no longer offering the lifetime subscription offer.

I am comparing this purchase decision against currently 2 Panasonic DVR models being sold at Circuit City. Panasonic DVD Recorder
(DMR-EH55S) , for $459.00 & a Panasonic DVD Recorder/VCR combo with DVR (DMR-EH75VS), for $493.00.

As far as DVR's are concerned I've read that the TIVO has the easiest and most powerful options for recording. I like the fact that I can log onto my account from any computer and set up recording preferences. I don't like the monthly fees associated with it but weighing it against the fact they give you the unit for free after rebate it more than makes up for the contract price.

I have never owned a DVR and have no experience owning one of these technologies. I like the fact that having a standalone unit like the Panasonic that I could record a DVD recordable to backup or give someone if I needed. If I were convinced that the Panasonic programming interface was just as worthy as the TIVO I'd probably opt for that as to avoid being stuck in a never ending bill with TIVO.

Anyone's experience with this type of buying purchase would be appreciated. Thanks for anyone's feedback!