absolutely you can, the pause is EXACT. whats even more precise and easy to use is the editing software that is built into these units. you can leave it to record your show, ie:set timer for 1hr, then go back in and edit out commercials. this method is very precise as it allows frame by frame editing.

my Scientific Atlanta DVR (or PVR as we call them in Canada) has a "record to VCR" feature which allows you to play a program from a separate video out while simultaneously watching another program. ie: i watch whatever i'm watching via the regular output to my telly, while at the same time i have another episode playing via a separate output to my DVD recorder. i can then go and edit out whatever i want and rip off fully editied copies to DVD at about 10minutes/disc in high speed mode.

I look forward to the day my cable co offers a DVR with editing features and a DVD burner.