No you don't... You have a computer that can record TV -- NOT the same thing!
TiVo is a totally new way to watch TV -- it automatically records the programs that you want to watch, regardless of what time they come on... If your favorite program changes from Wednesday to Friday nights, it will see the change and record the program at it's new date and time. If there is an hour-long special of a half-hour program, it will see the change and record the full hour.
The service charge that TiVo charges is for the program data that makes all this possible. You can purchase a lifetime subscription for the product for $299 and avoid all monthly fees.
Talk to anyone with a TiVo and they will tell you the same thing -- they wouldn't live without one after using it!
I just want to digitally record a TV show to VCD once in a while.
Excuse me for not being a TV-addicted vegetable.