Who makes a TIVO-like HD/DVR that allows me to record from my cable
and to pause/replay (etc.) live tv, but does not require a
subscription fee? I used to be Dish subscriber and was pleased with
the receiver/recorder they provided. I am now a cable subscriber, but
I don't want to pay the monthly extra charge to use their HD
receiver/recorder....I would rather acquire a stand-alone
HD/DV recorder that has the other features: I will send the signal
from the cable box thru the recorder to the tv.

Motorola has a good one. Sony, Samsung, Panasonic all have good DVR
equipment.  Search Froogle for DVRs and you'll see the results. 
Anything related to TIVO will have a subscription attached, but there
are plenty that do not.

thefuzz81-ga:
Thx for the suggestions. Motorola's DCT6412 abd 6208 would be ideal
except that they can only be had by rental from cable companies which
I am trying to avoid (the endless, exorbitant, monthly fees). Sony,
Samsung seem to be all TIVO connected -- If I go that direction, which
I am avoiding for the same reason (monthly subscribption fee), I would
probably get the TIVO box with rebate....I can't figure out the
Panasonic offerings. I think they are just DVRs with no pause live tv
features.
Is it the case that all machines with Pause (etc.) Live TV features
MUST be tied into a provider such as Dish or Comcast or Direct TV? Is
my search for a stand-alone futile? Should I even try to find someone
ready to cast off a Motorola on ebay if I can't use it as a
stand-alone?
If so, can someone educate me on the TIVO deals? I understand that
they have a "free" subscription. Would that be sufficient for me to
use a TIVO machine and have all the features I seek? (I can use cables
program guide, so I don't really need the TIVO guide).
Thanks for the help.
dfw

Why not look at a video capture card for your PC (Hardware capture
would allow for pausing live TV) and a opensource schedule program
like GBR?

OR

A low-end media PC?