Know the feeling well. I now don't even bother with trying to record shows, I have found a couple of sites where I can download them add free and in a lot of cases before they are even released in Oz. Really the local TV stations have deadset shot themselves in both feet, they are deplorable.
Just for information, most shows that are set to run for 1 hr in Australia, are in fact only 40 mins long, this definitely shows that the TV stations are allowing 33% or more for advertisements. Even Foxtel do the same now and that is a damn rip-off as well. Is it any wonder why people are resorting to other methods of watching their favourite shows. It will be interesting to see what Netflix etc are like. I am not holding my breath!!