Might the Magnavox MDR515H/F7 fit their needs? Can be seen here:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Magnavox-M...Tuner/15080509

Maybe that model is overkill with the hard drive and all. Magnavox does have a DVD Recorder & 4-Head Hi-Fi VCR. I have a similar one of these since I still have old vcr tapes we like to watch.

Here is a great site for lots of info on dvd recorders:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=106

I don't have cable, so no cable box, just antennas on the roof. So, for my old analog tv I do need a digital converter box (tuner) for the digital stations. Actually we get great HD reception on our hdtv with the antenna as the digital signals travel over the air! I am not sure how your parents' tv with the cable box would hook up with the dvd recorder.