Re:Main Problem: I can't build a cost-effective PV (Score 1)

Get Dish. Providing they work something out for their DVR service, their channel guides DO have a setting for "All Subscribed Channels", and you can actually have up to four "favorite" lists per TV, where the guide and the up/down flip of channels only go through channels you -like- having. I was really sold on those features - it's just that Tivo won the injunction against Dish Network, so I'm waiting to see what sort of DVR service they'll offer before I try to upgrade my service plan.