You *should* lose PVR functionality on the DirecTiVo after a predetermined amount of time if it cannot make its connection with the mothership. You will still be able to play back previously recorded content, but you will not be able to schedule new recordings or perform searches. Guaranteed. I saw this with my TiVo (series 1 DSR6000) while doing some testing.

BUT, you can get around this with a "nophone" hack which will not otherwise affect your service nor subscription.

Bruno