[TruthShallSetYouFree]

I am a happy TIVO owner. You can buy the unit and not pay the monthly fee, and you would be able to use it just like a VCR. However, the really neat feature of TIVO, which requires the monthly fee (or, a one-time fee of $250) is the "Season Pass." It enables you to record every episode of a given show with one relatively easy setup. It gives you the option of recording only first-run episodes, or repeats as well. I went to Europe for two weeks, and when I came home, all my favorite shows were ready to watch. The screen is very user friendly. It tells you the name of the show and the date it was recorded. When you finish watching it, it asks if you wish to keep it or erase it. You can even program the thing to record every movie that stars a particular actor. I am very pleased with the service. I paid the one-time fee which is well worth the money.

[JoeGar]

I am a happy TIVO owner. You can buy the unit and not pay the monthly fee, and you would be able to use it just like a VCR.

Thanks for the info. It sounds just like what I want.