Samsung SIR-TS160 Multiple Platform DirectTV Receiver
buy only if your TV has a DVI-in port
I probably should have bought the Hughes HD reciever because my HDTV only has component-in jacks and my surround sound reciever only has composite-in jacks...plus, the Hughes is $100 less.<br />I was talked into the upgrade by a salesperson who claimed only the Samsung enabled me to get the local channels through the reciever (thus making them HD). Seems, from some reviews I've read on the Hughes, the salesperson was wrong (Hughes also gets local channels)...but he was right that the on-screen program guide refreshes faster on the Samsung.<br />I've only had it 3 months, but what I don't like about this reciever is the following:  <br />*  The universal remote couldn't &quot;learn&quot; my DVD player - and only &quot;learned&quot; the most basic commands for my other components (on, off, volume...that's about it)<BR>*  The #9 button is so close to the &quot;games&quot; button that I frequently find myself in &quot;game&quot; mode (the unit comes with a couple of &quot;nintendo&quot;-style childrens games).<BR>*  The door/flap on the reciever (that covers the user buttons/remote sensor) partially blocks the remote's signal, forcing me to have to leave the door open all the time...makes the would-be handsome reciever look sorta tacky.<BR>*  At first, the unit was trying to automatically upgrade it's software, but failed every time.  A couple of times it flashed a customer support number on the screen, but, when I called it, I got some clueless little old lady that doesn't work for Samsung.  As of about a month ago, it mysteriously stopped trying to upgade itself.<BR>*  It runs extremely hot (our heating bill might be lower this year. Electric?...that's another story).<br />...other than that, I haven't had any major issues with it.<br />Basically, for the extra bill you get a DVI out (premium DVI cable included), RGB out (same type port as your computer monitor), optical Dolby audio out and coaxial Dolby audio out (of course, this is on on top of all the standard jacks you'de find on lower end units).