is the FTM feature enabled on the HR20 to allow use of both tuners off of one input?

This and the lack of locals in HD is all that is keeping me with comcast, but their TERRIBLE DVR has me on my last good nerve and am willing to wait for them.

Also, do they still require connection to a land based phoneline? is there a workaround for this?

DirecTV w/Tivo. Not sure if their DVR will work w/o a phone line.

I have the equipment - just lazy.

I think you can get by without a phone line on the HR-20 - but don't know for sure as I keep mine hooked to the line (All the updates come from the sat not the line)

If you aren't going to use those features it doesn't have to be attached.