Is this a possibility or not?

[rocknroller]

I'm looking for a technical answer to the following:

Would like to use a Mororola DCS 6416 or Tivo equivalent as it appears that these units are programmed or defined to be used only with stipulated cable providers....i.e. Comcast, Charter, etc.

Also, I understand that other units are defined for use only with satellite providers such as Direct Tv, Dish Network, etc.

It appears that pretty much all of these units are really good DVR's and I want to know if they can be programmed to simply perform as a DVD recorder without being required to use any propriatary software to function simply as a stand alone DVR.

In other words, I would like to be able to use the input connections of the unit to record with:

a standard digital off the air antenna
copy or duplicate the playback from any other source such as another DVR, VCR, or other source
Use whatever input to the unit that I want without any restriction.

Are the above scenarios possible with available software, or require other hardware such as an A/V switcher...
If not with standard software, then is this possible with 3rd party software?

If 3rd party software is required, would someone provide the name, description, and/or link to where I would find it.

I am relatively new to all the possibilities and options available, and would greatly appreciate a spoon-fed tutorial on how to accomplish this or an explanation of why it cannot be accomplished.

I welcome any comments, criticisms and/or links to web sites or forums that would deal with scenarios like this.

Thanks in advance for any ideas or suggestions.....rocknroller....

[Krispy Kritter]

I'm no expert, but for the few that I've used: a) they only work with an active account and b) the recording setup/options are enbedded into the menu/gui, which won't work when not connected to said service.

As far as I know, there is no "generic" or "hacked" software availble for any of those boxes.