This may seem a silly question, but can I use a TiVO DVR connected to my Dish Network tuner without subscribing to TiVO service? :confused: Thanks!

... I though Dish Network has TIVO built in? No?

You can use the Tivo to pause / rewind / etc. that's it. It won't record anything.

When you subscribed to Dish TV, you have a choice of getting a tuner with or without DVR. We don't watch much TV so thought we wouldn't need the DVR. However, many network programs have way too many commercial and it drives us nuts. I can upgrade Dish to a DVR for $300, but would like to find a less expensive alternative.

If your current PC is decent - you can turn it into a DVR :)

Otherwise, just do the upgrade. You will want all the features of TIVO (I LOVE TIVO, but you can't use all the TimeWarner Cable features with TiVo yet... )