Samsung SIR-T451 High Definition Terrestrial Tuner
A bargain
After buying an HDTV ready display, I investigated what HDTV services were available from my cable company.  I signed up for their \\"HD package\\".  What a mistake.  I got a crappy DVR (it didn't even have DVI output that worked!) and about five HD channels.  We have another DVR (a ReplayTV model) that's much better than the one I got with HD cable (Scientific Atlanta).  I'll save my gripes about that piece of junk for another review.  I will say, however, everything you've read about HD is true - it's fantastic and you'll never want to watch anything else again.<br /><br />Anyway, I looked into what HD offerings I could get with good ol' rabbit ears.  There were EIGHT channels in my area.  So I looked into a set top HDTV box.  I settled on this Samsung SIR-T451 and I couldn't be happier.  The interface is very intuitive, and it took me literally 10 minutes to set up.  I also love the DVI output (Motorola has no DVI).  The picture is great!!  It's quiet, the remote isn't too busy, and the unit is relatively small.<br /><br />(I know I know . . in four years when most broadcasts are HD and TVs come with an integrated tuner, we'll all think - \\"remember when we paid over two-hundred dollars for a HD tuner?\\"  Well, the fact of the matter is even when that day arrives, tuners like the Samsung SIR-T451 will still be useful.  Useful that is as a second tuner for picture in picture or a tuner for older TVs etc.)<br /><br />About 75% of the TV I watch is on the major networks (with about 33% being PBS which has two HD channels!), so this dovetails perfectly with what I wanted.  Why more people aren't looking into what HD they can get for free is beyond me.  This unit will pay for itself in less than a year with the savings on my cable bill.