Mine has a phone socket in the back do i need to keep it constantly connected to a phone line for it to operate, no instructions as not available in Uk anymore, bought 2nd.
There is still a good community for TIVO - just do a google (UK) search.
If you are really lucky you may have a paid for life subscription - when they came out you could pay �150 and it was a lifetime subscription - if not then to take advantage of the full features of TIVO you will need to get a subscription at �10.00 a month.
This will then update your system (weekly) with programs coming up