So I found this thing called DTVPal --- which is apparently a Dish Network product...maybe...but looks to be discontinued.
It's basically an over the air DVR (but not like TIVO with finding programs for you etc)
http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_1...V0FREESTARDVRP
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20011472-1.html
Wouldn't give me Discovery or History Channels, but certainly local and local PBS stations.