TiVo seems to have a better interface from what I've seen and what others have said. It's easier to use. However, ReplayTV is more easily hackable - you can access it from web and PC easier to convert/archive shows, etc. I have a DVD recorder for this which is another post for another time.

Both can be made to do mostly same things, but you get idea.

My Suggestion

I recommend DirecTiVo Hughes HDVR2 (dual tuner) w/ Triple LNB dish (this is oval dish w/ 4 lines from it and it's HDTV ready). It's got satellite converter box built in so it's only one box to deal w/, TiVo monthly fee is less and it's dual tuner.

This model isn't as hackable as some TiVo's, but it can do some and if you want to go beyond basics than you probably haven't read this far.

Sites:

http://www.dvrinfospot.com

http://www.TiVo.com

http://www.TiVoCommunity.com

http://www.WeaKnees.com

I'd say main drawback here is price. Once it's setup, you probably wdn't need to go online w/ it again for months (until you bought a new component to control) so hassle is limited.

Finally, setting up any universal remote is going to involve some learning and this one is probably worth it as much or more than others if you're willing to spend money.

Basic: Sony RM-VL1000

This is remote I have and I love it. It's learning so it's really universal. It's right size, weight and shape for either hand. It's got all normal buttons w/o being too crowded, but also 4 buttons beside LCD. You can program these buttons to be whatever you want and lable them what you want too. You can scroll thru 3 "screens" for these buttons so each component can actually have 12 buttons programmed in LCD buttons.

It's preprogrammed w/ most common components and those settings use LCD buttons when necessary, but you can change any buttons programming as you wish.

It can control up to 12 components which is plenty for most people, but you can have volume set to always control same device. I have my volume buttons always control stereo even if rest of buttons are working TiVo. Similarly, I have my power button set for my TV even when I'm working TiVo.

It has a built in 'power off' macro that turns all Sony components off. You can define rest of macros yourself and even run them on a timer (I have it set my TiVo to standby every night).

It's a bit of a pain to setup, but once it's done you're set and it's so worth it.

And it's so cheap!

Summary

Take all things into consideration when shopping for a universal remote: is it learning, macros, timer, size, shape, weight, cost, buttons, setup, etc. What's important to you?

Recommendation

If you're willing to spend money, I wd get Harmony. Otherwise, I wd get Sony VL1000 - it's (probably) harder to setup, but so much cheaper and a great remote.