yakuza1970.........I don't know what kind of setup you have exactly, but I have two DVR's, one of which is the Motorola DCT6412, and I don't have to leave either of them on in order to record programs. In fact, my cable provider, COX Communications, sends program guide updates during the wee hours of the night and if the DVR(s) are left on, they will not receive the updates. Schedule a recording and then turn your DVR off. I think you'll find that it will record just fine.