One-time versus Recurring Recordings
Hi QCK,
Outside of Manual Timers, there are two types of recordings. One-time (aka "impulse" recordings), and Recurring (aka "series") recordings.
One-time recordings are set by pressing the "REC" button on a particular program while in the Guide, or by selecting "Record this program" from Search or Upcoming air dates. You cannot turn a One-time recording into a Recurring recording.
Recurring recordings are set by selecting "Record new episodes" or "Record all episodes" from the Program Options menu (in the Guide, Search, or Upcoming air dates menus). Selecting "new" versus "all" simply corresponds to the "Recurrence" setting and can be changed later.
Both types of recordings are managed in the PVR Options menu - MENU, select "PVR", and then "Options". One-time recordings appear with the regular record symbol at the far right of the list. Recurring recording events have a record symbol with an "R" at the far right of the list. You'll notice that One-time recording events have fewer options available when you get to the "Edit Recording Event" menu - Recurrence, Channels, and Keep do not apply to single recordings.
So, back to your original question. Depending on the show you want to record, I would find it in the Guide on the channel you usually record off of, press ENTER, and select either "Record new episodes", or "Record all episodes" (if you want to capture reruns as well OR if the guide data doesn't always specify new or not). Then pop into PVR Options and customize the Channels, Start Early/End Late, specify if you only want to keep a certain number of episodes (great for kids shows or syndicated programs), and how long you want to keep the recordings.
Press GO BACK to save, and that's it - no more deleting the timer if the show is in reruns next week, adjusting it for time changes, or moving it around because of conflicts! You can confirm via the "View upcoming air dates" or PVR Upcoming menu that what you expect is scheduled to be recorded.