Differences between AppleTV and Tivo

That's a great question.

The main difference: AppleTV is not a DVR (digital video recorder). So there's no recording TV shows, or pausing live TV like on a TiVo.

They both endevor to help you get your digital assets from your computer to your television screen; in this sense they are similar. This would include Mp3s, digital movies, photos, etc.

So if personal digital media is your usage, it's fairly easy to migrate - just put all the files on your computer, and either system can access those.

If you want a DVR, stick with the TiVo. AppleTV comes up short there.

I believe the rumors are that Apple TV will be adding recording capability in the next release.  When that happens, AppleTV will be a more compelling entertain device than Tivo

interesting. I hadn't heard that. source/link?