Does this look right?

[oz]

My HD DVR from TWC has been great – no reliability issues at all.  The hard drive in the unit can be a bit noisy – and it runs all the time, even when the unit is off. I was told this is normal, but I worry about wear and tear on the drive.

[beckkl]

I have also considered the HTPC route as well.  But that would cost too much money upfront, and add to the pile of old PC crap I have in my basement in a few years...

As for reliability, I haven't any problems.  Occasionaly a recording I make (especially West Wing) has some problems with skipping/compression problems.   So far it has been tolerable, but it is a bit annoying.  I would say that <10% of recordings have this, and it doesn't render the recording unwatchable or anything...