recording solution for direct tv without a box

HMMM.  Since the drop is receiverless, I'll have to see if I can hang a receiver from it.  Thanks for the quick reply.

Most likely that place has an MDU setup that doesn't work with regular DTV receivers or Tivo.  You need to find out and contact the MDU provider.

If he is not provided a DirecTV HDDVR, then the alternative is a VCR or recordable DVD player (if connected by the red/white/yellow cables, not HDMI) connected to the TV to record in real time.

DirecTV doesn't support TiVO. They used to have a box that was TiVO based (THR22) but that was still a DirecTV HDDVR. They don't support external devices recording since you don't own the content. But the old fashion way (VCR, etc.) is not an issue since not HD.

Typically you can't do this easily. The directv equipment is probably located in a central closet, one receiver per channel.  This removes the need for set top boxes, Then it depends on which interface gets used. Some systems require special TVs, If standard TVs are used, the cable carries the signals just like an antenna, so it would be possible to record prgrams with a traditional VCR. But you would need to talk to someone who knows exacdtly what technology is being used.

I suspect that you are spot on TB.  (as are all responses)  Will talk to the home but will probably wind up talking to their outside vendor based on the level of knowledge that I am finding there.  Hoping they will allow me the info.  Thanks to all.