Can you use this product without the program guide, by using manually scheduled recordings on a line-in jack? I am perfectly willing to plug my DirecTV receiver into Line-1 AV in, and manually schedule recordings on the ReplayTV. My DirecTV box can be commanded to change channels on schedule from its' own program guide, all I need to do is have the Replay box record line in at the appointed times.

I also contemplate using this device for security recording, by hooking a composite video camera to one of the line ins and essentially let it record around the clock. My very old PVS2000 ReplayTV box allowed me to simply sit with the Replay parked on Line in, and the buffer would continually be running. If at anytime I wanted to see previous content, I would simply rewind to earlier in the buffer and playback to VCR for recording if necessary. No timers to set. Wonder if this promo refurb unit can do the same thing.

It looks like receiving the rebate requires activation (and service plan payment), but still even if I don't activate it, $83++ for a 40 hour Replay box isn't bad. Assuming that's what the "real" cost would be to get it into my hands, without any service plan purchase.

Thanks.
Jim