You can use a Tivo without a monthly fee. The money buys the
directory service and other special features. If you're willing
to use it like a VCR -- by entering start/stop times and channels --
then you don't have to pay a fee.

Buck Turgidson wrote:

Can you buy an HDD recorder that doesn't require a monthly fee to Tivo or
the like? I just don't like the idea of being beholden to someone for
whatever amount a month.