The User Interface for the Genie is different from the SD DVR and a lot different from a TiVo.
I used to be a TiVo user gack in the day, and when DirecTV came out with the new HR series I too thought the UI would be hard to get used to.
But, over the years it has gotten better and I wouldn't think about going back to a TiVo, even the new DirecTV version.
If she really wants the TiVo interface then get the THR (?) DVR.