PaulB
What you need is a twin tuner PVR. These record on a hard disc and once you have used one you will not want to go without ever again.
This is a link to the Amazon page for Freeview sets.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_0_3?url=search-alias%3Delectronics&field-keywords=pvr+freeview+twin+tuner&sprefix=pvr
Humax and Topfield are the top brands but whatever you do make sure it has two tuners and Freeview Plus (this has series link so you can set to record a whole tv series rather have to keep resetting for a programme every week.) A big hard drive is also the best.
This is the box I would recommemd, it has all the features you need.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Topfield-TF5800PVRt-250GB-Freeview-Limited/dp/B001DSYKVS/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1256990303&sr=1-16
The following link is to a Freesat PVR boxes, in case you have a satellite dish.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Humax-FOXSAT-HDR-Freesat-Installation-Recommended/dp/B001L5YU36/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1256989963&sr=1-1
Personally I prefer Freeview over Freesat, each has some channels you cant get on the other but Freeview probably has the more comprehensive live up from our main broadcasters, BBC, ITV C4, C5.
One thing I do, I have a Top-up TV box myself, is to set all the programmes I want to watch to record and then forget about whats on tv, get on with my life and whenever I want to watch pick up on what is recorded. I just dont watch live tv anymore....