There are many uses for ReplayTV that don't have subscriptions:
- Doorstop
- Paper Weights
- Heater
- Nightlight (5xxx only)
- Footrest
- TV Stand (well, maybe, haven't heard the results of the guy trying to put a 20" TV on his yet)
Unfortunately, it won't do any of the functions is was meant to. It becomes a brick.
If you want a stream only unit, there was some talk of converting an X-Box into a thin-client. Do a search and you'll be enlightened.