postdog - not at all! I have had a philips hard drive dvd recorder for over 2 years. It is excellent.
It has all the functions of a pvr - pause live tv, rewind and so on, but I can archive programmes to disk if I want to keep them or just play them on another dvd player. I can also edit out adverts and unwanted bits.
I have also been able to copy my home video tapes to dvd disk with this machine, simply by hooking it up to my video player.
I can also play dvd disks - so that is one less piece of equipment.
I suggest you buy a good review magazine, such as Home Cinema, and read the reviews. List the functions you must have and spend time researching the market.
I would recommend a twin tuner though, so you can record two different programmes at the same time.
I would be interested to know your final choice.