Without service, yes, in manual or instant recordings, but that's not how most people will use the unit. Can explicitly stop a recording, see Stopping recordings. Can explicitly stop a recording, see Stopping recordings. Some VCRs let you specify duration. Stopping recordings Regular recordings stop automatically when the show ends.
Manual recordings stop at the end of the recording period.
All recordings may be stopped by hitting the Stop button. Regular recordings stop automaticaly when the show ends. Manual recordings stop at the end of the show or recording period, whichever comes first. All recordings may be stopped by selecting Stop recording under the recording's Now Showing entry. Most let you hit the Stop button, all stop automatically if a duration or end time was specified.