I am trying to do this without TiVo.

I want to capture TV programs on a hard drive, then edit out commercials and record them to DVD.

What is the best way of doing this? Products? Programs?

Again, I want to do this without TiVo, and record to a hard drive.
Basically, I am looking for a VCR, but without a VHS tape, I want to use a HDD.
If I can rewind and record over, I don't even have to have edit function.

Thank you.

capture card with mpeg2 encoder.

You can do this using a PCI Capture Card like http://www.pricescan.com/items/item165633.asp or there are some external devices that can do it over USB.

Then use a video editing program.

I personally would get a video encoder with a dvd chip so usually an external device and use pinnacle can pick up both in a combo unit for around $170 retail usually. I recommend the dvd encoder chip as it will cut your encoding down. If no chip then you load to computer convert to dvd then burn. Otherwise with dvd chip straight to dvd after computer makes it really nice and simple.