I am guessing you are like me and you receive some adjacent market channels OTA that are not included in your DISH network locals package...
If you're okay with recording to ANY source (VCR, DVD recorder, etc) besides your DVR, apply for your government coupon for a DTV converter, make your DTV converter purchase, and run it into a VCR, DVD or other recording source. I also understand the DTV Pal (DISH Network's OTA DTV converter box) will be available with a built-in DVR in the near future.
Eric