You can try using a slower speed DVD-R disc. I know the GX300 sometimes has trouble with the 8X discs. Also if you are using S-Video be sure to tell the DVD-R to look for that video signal. You can assign that in the set-up menu( From what I have seen though, composite might give you a better picture).

A reason to hit "save to VCR" on a Tivo is that the Tivo generates a description for about 5 seconds before showing the program.

As for as the Firewire goes, I have the SA8300HD DVR and SA tech support told me they could not activate the firewire ports yet for copyright reasons.