DVR without cable, satellite or Tivo?

Question

I'm looking to get a tv recorder, but i don't want to go through tivo or purchase cable. I recently looked up some dvd recorders and it looks like they work just like a tivo, only they use dvds. Can anyone point in the direction of a quality DVD recorder that works as much as a DVR as possible (i.e. record 2 shows at once)

Answer 1

A DVR or TIVO works because they record channels off of your cable.  So without a cable subscription there wouldn't be anything to record!

The answer above is incorrect.  I have a DVR and I can watch a previously recorded show while it is recording two other programs.

Answer 2

No.

DVD based systems can only record 1 show at a time and you cannot play back that show until it is finished recording.

Tivo-like DVRs are hard drive based and allow you to play 1 show, record 1 or 2 shows and you can watch a show while its recording and rewind or fast forward.

DVD based systems have a very limited recording ability. Maximum record time is about 4 hours versus a hard drive based DVR that holds 40 hours easily.