Have just purchased a TiVo Digital Video Recorder and so far, am very impressed. I can't see a use for it while travelling but it seems an ideal way of recording TV while you are away.
It consists of a box with a 160gb hard drive, two high definition tuners and some software that connects to the internet to access program guides. The interface is very user friendly. Once set-up is complete it is pretty much idiot proof. If for example, you want to record Top Gear, search for it on the program guide, choose "season pass", press record and it will record all episodes.
The advertising says you can programme it remotely via the internet however, I note this feature is not activated on their website yet. While you are watching TV, even if you have not asked it to record, it does so in the background so that you can play back live TV. You can pause it though and re-start watching when you wish. It also claims to "learn" what programs you like and record them for you without you asking. Haven't used this yet.
The box is permanently on and you watch normal TV through it. The remote is programmable so I now have only one to operate DVD, TV and TiVo. It can be programmed to every brand of device I have ever heard of. It requires broadband but there is no subscription fee to the TiVo site.
I paid full price at $699 plus $50 for the wireless network adaptor. I guess it might come down later.
On the up-side, it is very easy to use, cheap, and the quality is true High Definition (1080i). Potentially, you can get rid of multiple remote controls.
On the down-side, the hard drive is small so you are limited to 25 hours of high definition or 60 hours of standard. It does not appear to be able to record on to DVD or an external HD. Also, it only works with free-to-air TV.
There are a lot of unknowns at this stage. The purchase price is very good and there is no subscription fee (which there is in the States) so no doubt, there will be a big promotion to purchase the attractive add-ons such as expandable hard drive and ability to skip ads.
Apologies if some think this is off-topic but I think its a useful gizmo when you are travelling so you don't miss your favourite shows.
Cheers
Doug