xawtv can help you record video on linux as you watch, but scheduling recordings is an issue. mencoder, part of the mplayer package can also help you record video, but you'll have to schedule the recording with cron jobs (not something that is a time saver.) Here's where MythTV is useful. You can import channels programmed on xawtv (if your service provider doesn't use a standard frequency table) into MythTV. Getting xml listings for programs is always another issue if you do not live in North America. In this case, you'll probably have to build it up manually. Among all the solutions I'v tinkered with, I find MythTV the most comprehensive, and it almost lets you use your PC like a TiVo. Happy hacking with MythTV.