1. The unique features of TiVo, and similar systems, is that they can read the TV schedule and make recording decisions on their own. A VCR is stuck recording Ch 2 at 8pm on Thursday. This functionality, which is the heart of the DVR sytstem, requires software and program data. That is what the subscription pays for.

2. The material can be moved from one unit to another. TiVo's Home Media Option (HMO) includes streaming from one TiVo to another via an LAN connection with three of the four quality settings streaming at real-time or faster. ReplayTV also has a similar option except Replay can also do it over the internet (though you better have a lot of time when transfering over the internet). Both boxes have video out so you can record shows to VHS, SVHS, DVD, miniDV, etc. TiVo has a Save to VCR function which prevents anything else from inturrupting the transfer.

3. OK. Do you do this often? If you are recording something to share then use your VCR to record it.

4. There are a number of companies that service TiVo other than TiVo. Just do a google searsh for "service tivo" and you'll find them. TiVo is just a dedicated computer (runnin Linux). The most common problem is hard drive frailure, as the hard drive is the only moving part. There are instructions available on-line for replacing the hard drive yourself just as millions of computers users so with their computer's hard drives.