Cutting the cable, lets talk options and media setups

I followed most of this thread and don't recall how much we discussed this but my main cord cutting issue on the horizon is lack of DVR. I don't really care now but I want to knock this out before football approaches because I will be working for many games.

I am not overly fond of the Tivo OTA idea because taking on a monthly service charge for so little use seems to defeat the idea of cord cutting. Anyone using an external tuner/older media center combo? Do you consider it a successful alternative?

Build Your Own Over-the-Air DVR

for 40-60 bucks I am considering trying this.