Personal Video Recorders

"Are there any PVR's that don't"
not legally, of course you don't need subscription to record directly, only for setting it to record in advance

It's just that their $10 monthly subscription fee or $250 for a lifetime subscription is pretty rediculous for just guide information.  When I saw this, it made me wonder if people have developed a crack so you can get the information from somewhere else.

You said I only need the subscription to record in advance...  Does that mean I can't even manually set a timer without a subscription?

By the way, what do you mean "not leagally"?  There's a crack for it?

I guess it's a stand-alone one, I've just been looking at their regular 80 hour model:
http://tivo.com/2.0.asp

I have no personal experience with the standalones. I only know what I have heard about them. Some people like them, others swear at them. I have DTV/Tivo combo and I really like it, my monthly service is only $4.99 or $250 lifetime, I chose the $4.99 monthly since it will take me many years to get to $250 and the lifetime of electronic devices may not last that long. Also if Tivo sells out will new owner honor the lifetime deal?

you probabbly get their subscription cheaper because DirectTV has a contract with them.

Crash
go to this forum and there is alot of info available that may help you.
http://dssbbs.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=50

You may have to register before it will allow you access.

oh well, thanks for the info.

By the way, that DSS BBS forum says it currently isn't accepting new registerations.  :-/

My local cable service started offering a PVR service with an Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8000 PVR for $7.00 a month since I have their cable modem service.  Which is incredibly sweet compared to the $14.00 a month the Tivo service costs.  Plus you don't have to buy the box!  The only downside to it is you have to return the box once you stop subscribing.