[BattleScott]

The R15 constantly put up messages about trying to find a signal in the bottom right hand of the screen. Is there some way to disable this message once it has been seen?

Not as of 10D3, but it was on the list of reported greivances...

But why couldn't I record the show as I was watching it?

There have been reported issues of the 2nd tuner getting 'stuck' for lack of better word. They have been different but similar problems where it looks like the 2nd tuner is available, but for some reason the R15 thinks it is not...

I know that there is a new firmware (10eb) out but so far my box can't or won't upgrade to it.

Mine either, but we are right down the road from each other. Apparently they roll out the upgrades by geographic regions.