I've got a Topfield Freeview PVR. Twin tuner, so can record two things at once, and you can install extra apps on it. One many Toppy users have is called MyStuff, which is an alternative EPG and allows you to set up Series Links (called Control Timers in MyStuff), - works exactly the same as Sky+, but with a 250Gb HDD and no monthly cost (so ner ne ner Simon ). Look here for lots of details...
And Beasley, the 3 for £26 offer from Sky is actually £37 'cause you need to add in your BT line rental. So the 3 for £30 deal from Virgin is pretty good.