I know you can set the DVR to start recording earlier but why would I need to do that in the first place? If a show is set to start at 9am why wouldn't the DVR begin at 9am? I have D* HD DVR and for the most part this is the only thing that bothers me about the unit.

Anyone have any suggestions on how to record the full show other than setting it to begin earlier which can conflict with recording the show before it.

Thanks in advance.

Well, the networks do vary their schedules a bit. Shows sometimes start shortly before or after the scheduled time. If you know it happens regularly, most DVRs have an option for scheduled recordings to have them start early and/or end late; you might want to take advantage of that.