The best option for digi-recording is still a TiVo/HTPC. Then you can cut/paste/edit your material anyway you want and record to DVD-R. For the average user Tivo is usually the best option, look into spending your money there. You can even open em up and upgrade to a bigger HD to record 10x more much stuff than stock. Then if you want to transfer those shows to DVD, invest in a DVD-RW drive.
PS- you never mentioned your reasoning for wanting to replace your VCR. You like to record lots of stuff and you\'re sick of VHS quality? I recently bought a JVC S-VHS VCR for ~$70 refurbished at ewave.com. Such a difference with 400 lines of resolution. Not quite DVD quality, but for NTSC cable you\'re not getting that anyway.