Does anyone have a recommendation for a DVR that's not through your cable provider? I just got Fios and they want an extra $12/mo for DVR service (16hr of HD and 2 simultaneous recordings). I'd rather use that $ to get a better TV subscription, as mine currently doesn't have ESPN, TNT, BBC America, etc. Any thoughts/suggestions?
TiVo or htpc w/ cable card setup using homerun prime. On htpc you must run win 7/8, at least to record protected content (atm at least) . I have 6 tuner setup htpc I built years ago, already paid for itself long ago. And can use Xbox as media extenders to watch/record content from htpc. Also you can record as much content as you want, just get a big drive. I have multiple Xbox extenders so not paying cable Co fees on boxes/dvrs (so just paying for services). The guide is pretty great, and on htpc is probably the fastest scrolling I've seen. Xbox has the same guide and about the same scrolling speed as normal dvr from cable Co.
This website, http://www.byopvr.com/ , shows how to build your own (and, of course, its features will vary, based on your budget). EDIT: As I browse through that site, though, it appears that their content is about 4 - 5 years old. There are probably similar web sites with more updated content.
Here's another one I recommend, their forums are pretty active and decent guides http://www.thegreenbutton.tv/forums/
