HDTV Set Top Box


I am wanting to begin the exploration into this. We bought a Toshiba HDTV ready and I think that we may now be ready.
Any suggestions on what specs are best to not compromise on?
Any views on the various brands?
angela100
Hi Angela,I recently upgraded to the Toshiba TW40X81 HDTV ready set myself, and am curious to see what you come up with. Kenny, thanks for the tip, i'll check it out later. For those interested, one of the old Panasonic models does allow high definition recording. My friend brought it to my apartment, but we couldn't get a high def signal with the antennae provided (just experimenting), so I will have to see if my landlord will let me install a dish, (I won't bet on it).
I read a recent article in the LA Times regarding frustration in getting HDTV programming... very interesting and enlightening. Based on the article, don't assume that DirectTV re-transmits HDTV signals. The long and short of it is that the writer wound up with a large antennae on the roof and finally got decent reception and HDTV. I wish I had saved the article as the gyrations this poor guy went through were funny. I am interested in the DirectTV/HDTV set up and will be checking this out further.
thanks, Jim. I am doing a lot of reading. I agree, it is NOT as simple as they would make you believe. I think I'll use my energy on researching a better center channel instead :-)
I am also interested in getting HDTV. I want a good local antenna and a dish. I heard that the Sony waited 6 months to make sure they had everything and the RCA is a pain in the rear. Which way to go?