You can actually use a TiVo box sans subscription, but you have to manually program the times and channels to record, like a regular VCR. I have had TiVo for years now and I have no idea how I lived without it!
Ahh that is good to know! I’m currently paying for the TIVO subscription as well as the TIVO-esque box from the cable company for the other tv. Looks like I can save some $ !