The UK Thomson TiVo requires a TiVo subscription (Currently £10 PCM, or £199 Lifetime of the unit).

Unlike other PVR Digital recorders, the Thomson TiVo can still be used as a advanced manual recorder, setting the time, date and channel.

And also pause Live TV with its 30 minute buffer.

Unfortunately the TiVo does give you a nag screen every day, to remind you  to subscribe for full functionality.