My local cable provider is Comcast and I opted to order the HDTV and DVR options in my setup. I had used a Tivo previously and was quite happy with that but I was looking for something that was capable of recording HDTV. Comcast uses the Motorola DCT6208 for its HDTV and DVR package. As with any DVR, the DCT6208 lets you pause and rewind live TV. There is a dramatic change between HDTV reception over standard digital cable as well as analog cable. The set top box has the ability to send signals in widescreen format at 480i, 480p, 720i, 720p, and 1080i. I have it connected to a Samsung HL-R4667W and have it set at 720p, which is the highest resolution the TV can accommodate. The unit has component video output as well as DVI, but I am using the HDMI connection on my TV for my Mac Mini and do not have a receiver cable of switching HDMI connections. It also has the standard S-Video and RCA outputs, but if you are looking for the best HDTV quality using the DVI or component connections are your best bets. It also has built in Ethernet, USB, and Firewire but I have yet to find any uses for those. The unit has coaxial and optical digital output for audio and I use the coaxial to connect to my Sony receiver.

I don’t know how large the hard drive in the unit is, but I have yet to fill it to capacity. I have to say the user interface on a Tivo unit is much easier to use than that of the Motorola DCT6208. It seems more institutive but after you get used to the DCT6208 interface it works pretty well. At certain times the unit tends to slow down however, but I think it just takes time to delete from the hard drive. I found with quite a few digital cable providers that there is sometimes a delay between the cable company and reception to the box. I’m not sure if the cable company is to blame or the set top box itself. For the most part I have been able to get used to how the DVR functions.

Picture quality and sound on HDTV programs is excellent. I can see a huge difference in sports programming as well as movies. For my area HDTV programming is pretty good, but I could always use a few more channels if not all my channels. It will be nice when everything is switched over in 2009. If you are considering the upgrade to HDTV and/or a DVR unit and your cable company offers the Motorola DCT6208 I would say its worth the extra few bucks a month. I don’t watch TV all that often so anytime I get a chance to I appreciate it a lot more especially HDTV.