Years ago I really got into Linux and I tried out many different distro’s. There was one that I spent more time on then any other distro. It was called MythTV. In essence, MythTV is a fully functional alternative to a Tivo Box. Much cheaper in the long run too.(Tivo is $12.99/month-MythTV is free!). Now, unless you have an extra PC laying around, getting yourself a nice looking HTPC case alone for your MythTV setup is gonna set you back at least $300, and a new Tivo setup only runs you about $300 and that inlcudes everything. HDD, Capture Card, and Case. You also have another option. A company called “Monolith MC” sells pre-built MythTV boxes. The benefit of these is they include more HD space then a Tivo and they have no monthly fee.  If your gonna get serious about it. I suggest you watch this first. http://revision3.com/systm/mythtv/