Although we've experienced slight latency delays with all three PVRs (pressing the button and then waiting for the unit to respond), the TiVo is the easiest and most convenient to use. Its menu system is well organized and includes smart features such as predictive keyword searches. Unlike ReplayTV or Dish, TiVo displays a graphical time frame so it's easy to figure out just where you are since your last pausing of live TV.

Because the Dish PVR has limited features, it's also the easiest to use overall. Our chief usability complaint is with the graphically anemic menu system, where each menu level looks the same.