Most people do not know about this. Last year DirecTV came out with the ability to go to a web page schedule your DVR to record a program. TiVo and Replay TV also had this ability. Dish Network just announced integration of Slingbox technology into some of their new DVRs.
If you have a web enabled cellphone, like the iPhone, you can check/change and shedule your favorite TV shows to record. Go to m.directv.com. That will put you on a page called "DVR Scheduler." Then you log in and search for the show by name or by channel. You can also search by actor names or host name. Any eligible DVRs will show up and you can ask for the recording to be made. In my experience this can be done very closely to the scheduled air time of the show. Shortly after, you'll get a confirmation that DirecTV has your request. It is not a guarantee that the recording will work, however, but it always has for me. DirecTV then sends your request from the website to your DVR and all should be well.
You don't need an iPhone to do this. It works from a laptop or desktop computer, and DirecTV provides a list of mobile phones that work. Here's the FAQ that tells you all about it. (You'll need to be a DirecTV customer to see this.) This page should give you information if your are not logged in or a DirecTV customer.
So if you haven't tried this, give it a go. It has saved me a few times when I forget to record something while I was away from home. It might save you too.
