Your DVR will suffice, but there are better ways. I'll leave that to others more knowledgeable than I.
I, personally, have had the service plan, AKA DHPP, since I joined, roughly 10 years ago. I believe it is worth it. I do not like playing the system, as some here advocate. I just consider it a basic part of the monthly cost.
If I lost my job, I might drop it. But, more likely, I'd have to drop Dish completely and go with Fios and their UGH DVR.