Tivo like DVR with no subscription service? Is there such a thing?

[TheLizardMan]

My buddys VCR broke so he wants a new one. But I told him to just get a Tivo and he said that he would only if there was no subscription service. So is there such a device? I guess he could get a DVD recorder for the TV, but IMO that isnt that great of a device.

 

[febuld]

Windows Media Edition...but these things can be pretty expensive, and it's hard to find the CD without buying a new system, but I did see newegg selling MCE a week ago...