Can I use a TiVo as a manual--in essence--digital VCR? In other words, if I have a TV Guide magazine in hand, can I program it manually just like a VCR and not pay for the subscription service? Or is a TiVo just an expensive boat anchor without the monthly subscription?

Also, I haven't yet broken down and paid Comcast for HD service (they want another $32/month--outrageous!), being content thus far only to get the five broadcast networks in HD free over the air. Does the HD TiVo have multiple inputs so that I could set it to record network HD broadcasts when applicable on one input and non-HD cable shows on other-than-network stations on the other input? Could it be set to know the difference and decide which input to use, or would I need to set the input choice each time when programming it?

Last, I have no phone line near my TV and running one would be a great pain in the rear. If I were to break down and get TiVo service, is there a wireless transceiver that could plug into my phone line (upstream of my answering machine and phone) that could then beam the subscription info to a transceiver at the TV?

Thanks for any insight you're willing to provide. I assume I could get these questions answered at Best Buy, but I trust you a whole lot more, both for your knowledge and for your trustworthiness.

Joel's answer after the jump.

Ken, you can use only a TiVo Series 1 or TiVo/DVD to manually record programs. There is a "manual recording" option (like a VCR) in the Series 2, Series 3, and TiVo HD, but I have read from other sources that all recording options are disabled once you stop paying TiVo. So yeah, the new S2/S3/HD TiVos become expensive boat anchors if you don't pay subscription fees.

In my opinion, the scheduling service is one of the TiVo's main strengths. It automatically changes its recording schedule if a program's time slot changes, when you're recording the program as part of a season pass. Also, the TiVo's search functions are so much better than anything out there in the DVR world, and I've owned several on both PCs and boxes from different cable systems. I am seriously considering getting a TiVo HD of my own this month, now that they are available at stores like Costco.

You may be able to find a TiVo/DVD on eBay or dealnews.com: Search for TiVos from HUMAX or Pioneer. These come with TiVo Basic, which is a free service that lets you search just three days in advance, but it will still let you manually record.

The TiVo HD has an antenna input, so if you want to record off the air in addition to cable, you can. You can specify which version of a channel to record when creating the schedule (you can choose either SD cable, HD cable, SD antenna, or HD Antenna channel when you record a program, just as long as you're set up to receive all four channels.) You can record only two of the four at once, however.

I use a phone line extender to connect my TiVo Series1 to my phone line: It's a DualJack, but similar products should work. It even works when plugged into a power strip.