dawhch to Cable Forum
The best picture for recording from your STB (set top box) will be achieved through a scart cable connection. You wont be able to record Front Row movies.
As far as I know there is know way of changing channels on your cable STB from your VCR.
On ntl you only have 3 days forward planning via the EPG (electronic program guide) which is a pain in the backside. At least for those 3 days you can program a reminder into the STB for the program you want so that if the STB is on it will change channels for you.