Sony SATHD300 DIRECTV HD Receiver w/ Dolby Digital Passthrough & Universal Remote Commander
Updated firmware can fix your problem...Great channels otherwise
Had mine almost a year. Since I have yet to bring it in to have the firmware updated, I am living with the issues it gives me for now.<br /><br />Issues include some picture drop outs on weaker signals. Timer recording NOT switching to the proper channels. I actually witnessed it going offline to reset itself. That is a new issue. I wonder if the update is being broadcasted and causing the reset.  Since there is no auto-time setting, I have to reset the time if the power drops momentarily, or when it resets.<br /><br />Those issues should be moot once I get the firmware upgraded.<br />Aside from that, running the s-video to a regular dvd-recorder yields the BEST recording quality imaginable - though not HD.<br /><br />The picture and sound is great and I can't imagine my Sony TV without this gem of a box.  But not having the bugs worked out before hitting the market is annoying. So is the lack of firewire output. Great remote control and easy to setup.<br /><br />I live in Northern NJ and use the Zenith ZHDTV1 HDTV/UHF Digital Indoor Antenna for the FREE over-the-air HD channels.<br /><br />I get 2.1, 4.1, 4.2 (Weather plus), 4.4, 5.1, 5.2 (ch 9 @ 480p), 7.1, 7.2 (480p), 9.1, 9.2 (ch 5 @ 480p), 11.1, 11.2 & PBS 13.1, 13.2, 13.3.  Receives some UHF channels in digital as well.<br /><br />I am one of the last hold outs who refuses to pay for TV. The extra digital channels (4.2, 7.2, 13.x) are great. IT IS LIKE HAVING A MINI-CABLE SUBSCRIPTION FOR FREE.<br /><br />Even if you DON'T have a HDTV, a digital box will connect to a conventional tv and give you DVD quality, or better.