Anyone Own An HD TiVO (DVR)?

Amazon today had an HD TiVO Premiere for 49.99USD (normally 299.00) and it seemed like such a great deal (and I ordered it) until I read about the 20USD/month plan they lock you into for a year (and afterwards, the rate may not change nor be able to apply lifetime memberships to it), and then decided to cancel as it wasn't worth the expense. I've never personally used one or seen one in person, but how much better is it than the cable company's typically crappy electronic program guide and DVR functions (I want it more for the EPG than the DVR stuff).

So, anyone have a TiVO (or have had one), and what was your experience with it like?