Call direct tv and ask for technical service. They'll walk you through and fix any problems.

Maybe you need an updated DTV box that can record a show while watching another one.

I suck at electronics but I can tape two shows at once if the TV is off. I can record one show while watching anything else of TV I want to. If I am recording two shows at once while the TV is on, I have to keep the station on one of the channels that is being recorded.

This company is the perfect example of treating new friends better than the old ones. You just need to become a new friend again.
Hope this makes sense. Call DirectTV and tell them you need an upgrade so you can tape a show while watching another one. If they say they won't do it, say thanks, hang up and call them back saying you and your DH are separating and you want to cancel your current DirectTV and get a NEW subscription in a different name. Then you can get a new and improved box.

gold, this is only a year old, so it's pretty much updated, and when there are updates, DTV does it automatically.

Bumblebeez, I think I'll have to call them. I can't find the manual anywhere.

I'm talking about your boxes capability. My MIL has a new box but she can't tape anything. Her choice. They have different boxes with different capabilities.

haha, I call them all the time! They are my manual..I had something similar happen not to long ago and the box was not recognizing both cables in order to tape two shows.