Make the Pads Bigger
Is there a way to record back to back shows on the same channel without the ending of the first show ending up at the start of the second show?
A big part of this problem is the networks. The higher rated shows overrun the timeslots.
You don't tell us what PVR you have. I can only talk to the 622/722.
You also don't say how many tuners are in use. Do you have a 3rd event happening on another channel ?
Dish has messed with the finer details of how the pads work, but a smaller pad tends to be optional (soft), while a larger pad becomes hard. With a soft pad back-2-back events will remove the pad and save a tuner.
It seems like once the pads get to about 5 minutes, they become hard. Back to back shows will grab two tuners during the overlap and record the full programmed time. I rarely watch live TV so can live with not having a free tuner.
If I need a 3rd tuner, I generally put one show on the Over-the-Air antenna. Also many shows will repeat (expecially from the cable channels). Make those a lower priority and they will grab a later showing.
If you have a 722k with the OTA module you get 4 tuners. I would expect that would be enough for most.
I do have to add that I can't live with 1 622. I have a 622, 722, and a Media PC with 2 tuners (yes, that's 8 tuners). For me some stuff is Home Theater Preferred, and other is more for the Family Room. But, it gets the job done.