DVR Suggestions

[katharsis]

I am running into a bit of trouble and would appreciate some opinions.

Right now I don't subscribe to any TV stations (no cable, no satellite).
I have had both before for some time, just no desire to watch all the bad programming they've had recently and no time basically...
However next month they will have the Euro Cup 2008 in soccer (European football) and this is a must watch for me!!!

I contacted both our local cable provider (Oceanic which is Time Warner) and Dish Network and DirecTV. Now all I need is a digital box with DVR because I won't be able to watch every single game live...

My cable company is telling me that the building's wiring is too old and I can get digital line but NO DVR (for whatever reason) and it would take them about 2 month and some to get permission to switch and do the actual work in the whole building) which is too long.
I still have a Dish Network Dish, but no receiver.
They however want me to either buy a DVR for $400.00 and pay for installation $100.00 and then programming for however long I want or sign up for a 2 year contract with them (about $80 a month)
DirecTV would be the same with contract but they do offer a special sports package I saw for additional charges.

Now all I need is a hookup for 2 maybe 3 months... but definitely no longer than 6!! I just don't see any reason to pay for the service if I already know that I won't be using it much afterwards.

Now here is the questions...
If I should get digital cable with my provider, can I just not buy my own DVR and hook it up to the receiver they give me ? I saw some DVRs for less than $150.00 with 180 hrs of recording time.

Is there any other options I should consider??
BTW I live in Hawaii and we have pretty limited services around here...

Thanks in advance for any input!