Is Comcast's Tivo service the same as getting Tivo from Tivo directly?

Comcast and Tivo are two completely different companies. Tivo is the only place you can get the Tivo service from. Comcast does not offer Tivo, only DVR.

Actually Comcast is offering the TiVo service on the Comcast DVR's in some markets. The software is not 100% exactly the same between the two, but most of the feature sets are the same. I think the biggest difference is that the Comast TiVo supports On Demand and SDV channels (if you have them in your area) where the regular TiVo does not. However, the regular TiVo supports the Home Media applications (TiVo Desktop, TiVo To Go, etc.) that I don't think the Comast TiVo currently supports.

This is what I think is the best answer to your question. Simple answer: NO Detailed answer: TiVo is TiVo which means to get their service you must contract for it from TiVo. TiVo has special options such as their new Rhapsody music service. But having TiVo does not guarantee that you can tune in and record every channel on your cable company's system without having some other box from the cable company. Also having TiVo often costs per month the same as or more than adding DVR service with your cable company. TiVo box you must buy and when it dies you have to buy a new one. Or when you want to upgrade it you have to buy a new one to go from analog/SDTV to HDTV service. Cable company DVR means that all the hardware is in one box. Thus you know it can record any program that is available on the cable company feed. Cable company DVR often costs you less per month to use. And cable company DVR is usually free which means no up front cost for the hardware. TiVo box you have to buy it and own it. Cable company box belongs to the cable company so when it dies they just continue renting you a new one. No additional money out of your pocket. Going to HDTV box means paying a little more per month.