Signed up for DirecTV in July, got a Dolby Digital ready RCA receiver thinking I could add a TiVo later. After all, that's the same as getting a combination DirecTV/TiVo box, right? Wrong. The combination box has several advantages that may or may not be worth it to you. I feel strongly you should base your needs on these advantages.

1. Only satellite receiver (other combination boxes included) that can record/watch more than one show at a time.
2. Records the same digital quality signal (including Dolby Digital, which it can pass to your receiver) you watch on DirecTV. Only one quality setting (best), but the good news is that you only need one since it takes up far less space than on a standalone TiVo unit. (Standalone TiVos convert the signal to analog then redigitize the signal at varying levels of quality less than a combination box.)
3. Cheaper than a standalone TiVo subscription. No lifetime option any longer, but only $5 a month vs. $250 once or $13 a month.
4. Simpler to operate than a DSS receiver and standalone TiVo.
5. Cheaper overall than the two units put together.

Disadvantage:
Records ONLY satellite signals. It will pass cable/antenna, but won't record (if it did though, you wouldn't get those high quality DSS recordings - pick your poison.)
No longer being manufactured, and usually expensive ($400)for current subscribers. New subscribers can get great deals from satellite dealers, but only while supplies last. Hughes makes a second generation combination box, but Hughes receivers are usually regarded as lower quality as well as poor customer service. Caveat emptor.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 241 shipped