if you get a standalone DVR, you jsut need to setup your RX to be on the desired channel at the start time. some DVRs will have a remote option that allow it to change your RX channel, but most cheap ones do not.
to me the fee for the DVR service is worth it. i cna record 2 shows at once, and watch them when i want. our DVRs(all 4 of them) get quite the work out. we record some stuff in teh Den for all of us, my daughter records her kids shows, my son records his shows, then my wife and i record a few shows in the bedroom for those nights when nothign is on at bedtime.
to me the fee for the DVR service is worth it. i cna record 2 shows at once, and watch them when i want. our DVRs(all 4 of them) get quite the work out. we record some stuff in teh Den for all of us, my daughter records her kids shows, my son records his shows, then my wife and i record a few shows in the bedroom for those nights when nothign is on at bedtime.