Just build an HTPC with a tv tuner and Windows 7 Home Premium. Windows Media Center is included and include functions pertaining to recording, saving, and playback.
From my use of it, there seems to be a good amount of hand-holding for newbies built-in.
Frankly if the parents are tech-challenged, it's better to get them a dvd-recorder. Using RW discs, it functions just like a vcr with up to 8 hours recording time. The RW discs are erasable and reusable many times.
Last edited by Jun aka Pekto; November 13th, 2009 at 12:55 AM.