My VCR never asked for a subscription, so why now?

What is the deal with TiVo. I know the whole thing about finding shows for you, but I just don't get why no other company is making DVR's. Every time I search it's always either a TiVo or DirecTV! I only have basic cable and don't want to pay a subscription. I'm just fine setting my own timers if they can save me 30 bucks a month or so. So why is the market going the way of the TiVo? Can anyone explain this to me?