VCR recording

Believe it or not, I have a real VCR that I use to record shows that I want to see later.  With the new mini-box, am I able to record shows that I'm NOT watching?  Currently, I CAN record shows on one channel while watching another one.  The cable goes from the wall into the VCR, and then feeds to the TV.  I already pay Cox enough for cable and internet, and don't HAVE to watch TV that much to make the $30/month charge for DVR rental worthwhile.  I've been a Cox customer for over 20 years, and don't feel like paying $360/year extra for maybe an hour or two of shows a week. Is it possible, or am I going to have to figure out how to record from the 2nd TV, which is not on that much, while I watch the shows on the main TV?