FIrst let me explain I have very little knowledge on how cable tv & DVRs work. 

WHat I would like to do....

My workplace has basic cable. It is the kind that does not need a cablebox. You can hook up a regular cable-ready tv & watch basic cable on it. WHat I would like to do is to buy my own DVR, hook it up to their cable tv (I already have permission to do so), set it to record what shows/films I want, then take the dvr home & watch them at home (I do not have cable tv where i live... a rural area).  

Is this possible? Are there DVRs out there that do not require a monthly subscription? Can I buy one off the shelf instead of making one from a PC? I have absolutely no idea how to make one. It is beyond my ability.