I used to install DTV, I know all about it
I have a Tivo. It is a special Tivo made for DirecTV (but a lot cheaper than typical Tivos - free to $100 depending on specials they are running). They no longer deal with Tivo, have their own DTV-branded DVRs which are good units. There is a $5 monthly fee for the Tivo service. You can record 1 channel while watching another - or watch something previously recorded while recording 2 channels live. It's well worth the $5/month! I love my tivo. Wouldn't live without it. What's on TV right now? I'm at work! Guess what - it doesnt matter. I watch what I want, when I want to. Who still uses tapes?