Sandye, we have the Dish with DVR too.
Steve, no I don't think it makes you watch more TV. More Quality TV- definitely! I have not timed anything, but a normal "one hour" show seems to be over in a flash.
We are currently recording Curious George (for our Matthew), Supernanny (same kid, different reason) Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" (great show!), the old Star Treks, "LowCarbCookworx", and "Lost In Space".
A corny and fun mix.
The very first thing we recorded was "Shawshank Redemption" with Morgan Freeman and What's-His-Name.
I will never delete that movie.
My only beef is that my DVR only lets me record 99 hours. I guess it's good, because it forces me to keep organized and DELETE.