Getting stuff off of the DVR.

I love TCM precisely because they have a habit of showing stuff you can't get on DVD, and in HD too. Unfortunately, my equipment is next to nil in the electronics department, and there's probably so much DRM on the damn stuff that getting it off would be difficult. Though oddly, I do seem to be able to record it to my VCR downstairs. In any event, is there any way I can get the stuff off without a DVD/Blu-Ray recorder? I do have an external hard drive with a significant amount of space, but unfortunately only a PC, not a laptop. Could lug the DVR in the living room or something, but anyway, in spite of two USB ports, I'm damn sure not naive enough to believe that I can plug a USB stick on and just put it on there. I don't want to break the law or have the FBI knocking on my door, if the stuff was on DVD, I'd certainly buy it. I'm assuming there's no way of doing this without spending money on some kind of equipment? Fan editors? Any advice?

Didn't know that section if the forum even existed, can a mod move this thread?

Damn iPhone. 

Thank you. Now, onto the question...

I don't want to violate any laws, but asking AT&T or CNET has simply gotten me "You can't," and most forums would probably view it as a violation of the rules, so I'll ask here.

Does no one ever use this forum, the posts seem to be very few and far between? I'd try somewhere else, but I don't know where, because of the legal gray area, I don't think I could ask at DVD Talk, CNET, Video Help, AVS, etc.