eris said:

I think it costs extra to be able to digitally record shows.. I have the digital box and tried it once but it wouldn't let me do it. Would be nice to have probably.

---

When I signed up with Tivo service they offered a lifetime subscription for only $300.  Otherwise it would have been something like $12 per month, depending on which package you choose.  Its great, actually.  It downloads upcomming program informaion using your existing internet connection.  Software upgrades and updates are also possible.

Tivo will allow you to record live TV, pause, rewind, and store your programs on a digital hard drive, so there's no need to fumble around with VHS tapes and crap.  It will also record programs for you, if you wish, based on your preferences and shows that you 'thumbs up'.  You can record programs based on keywords, actors, sports teams that you like, or get a season pass to your favorite show so that you only have to set it to record once, not each episode.  Its pretty damn easy, and it has a personality of its own.

For example, when we first got our Tivo we 'thumbs up'd' some programs that we liked, such as South Park, Simpsons, Aqua Teen Hunger Force, etc..  When Tivo was bored it would record stuff for used based on our preferences if there was enough free space available.  A few days later we noticed that Tivo had been recording childrens shows..  Apparantly because some of our favorite programs were cartoons, Tivo thought we were children.  No! Bad Tivo!  But after a few days of using the 'thumbs down' button on shows like Barney and Sesame Street, Tivo figured us out.  Now I couldn't live without my Tivo. 

Frappy said:

The Tivo recently recorded a 4 part Drug History program on VH1. It was quite good, actaully. They went from the 1950's through the 90's and commented on how the world, music, and politics have changed along with the drugs of the times. Of course there was good background music as well.

---