I was looking into it awhile back, and I know they offer a one time fee when you purchase the system to avoid the annoying monthly fees - but the system was 500$.

It would be worth it more if that price dropped a bit. I know if you have the correct cables and software in your computer you can connect your television to your comp for a pimped out tivo-type thing.

Requires a lot of work though unfortunatly, considering most computers are not compatable with televisions.