It is a must actually, especially with the way the 922s and Hoppers handle prioritizing and recording. I do not feel like typing the explanation right now, but manual timers can save your bacon if some shows conflict, you don't have enough timers, and you need the last few minutes on a show extended without completely losing a show that starts next. Also, it allows you to record say two hours of Morning Express with Robin Meade rather than the whole flipping' five hour block!