http://www.byopvr.com/
http://www.sagetv.com/
http://www.dvrplayground.com/article/12576/

OK, right, maybe not "much" better. Some assembly required. But you
do get your privacy. The only reason Tivo sends your requests back to
HQ is to peddle the info to marketeers. Oh, right, they consolidate
it first. For now.
--
Microsoft: "You've got questions. We've got dancing paperclips."