My VCR was fried during an electrical storm a couple of months ago. I need to buy something new to record with, and I'm wondering which way to go. I was looking at Tivo, and Best Buy's got one for 99.99 (after $100 mail in rebate), but it also says that a $12.95/month or $299 one time fee is required . I can pay my cable company $9.95/month, and utilize the DVR built in to my digital cable box, so what's the advantage of buying the Tivo unit?

Another option is to buy a new VCR, but if I'm going to go that route, I'm thinking I should just buy a DVD/VCR all in one unit. That way, I can use my current DVD player in the bedroom. Does anybody know if those types of units have any disadvantages to their seperate counterparts? Any recommendations on a good brand/model?

I appreciate any and all responses.

Thanks,
Rob