Concerning RCA DVR2160 160GB Digital Video Recorder on sale at Amazon...

I have a Misubishi WD-52525 DLP projection High Definition TV. I also have comcast digital cable using a cable card plugged into the back of the TV. The TV has an input/ output (1 each) IEEE 1594 connections. I just want to be able to record high def and standard format TV shows on a hard drive. Is this device like a VCR, timer, built in tuner etc. Do you plug the cable card into back of unit? I'm confused about some of the DVR's I've been looking at on the web. Some blogs are telling me that they don't have tuners in them. Is that true for this model?

DVR2160 is just a hard disk with a 1394 interface and some smarts for protecting you from your content. There is no tuner, cablecard, or anything else. Your TV controls the box via 1394.
Which means you schedule a recording through TV guide or whatever, and at required time the TV turns the box on and begins recording. If your TV supports it (most do) you can record one program while playing a previously recorded one. There is a big thread covering these boxes (look for indigita thread somewhere in this forum).

It is much like a vcr with no tuner that records HD (no titles, descriptions, program guides). It does list how many shows and the time of each show. I keep a hand-written list of shows next to it. I use the rca2160 primarily to keep hd kids movies for my daughter and her friends. It helps free up space on my moto 6412.

If you are with comcast, I think you will be happier getting their HD dvr and recording shows that way. There is no upfront cost and is well worth the $10/month they charge to use it.

If you need more space, you can connect the rca2160 to the dvr via firewire and transfer recorded shows from the dvr to the 2160 (call and make sure the firewire ports are active in your area).

Finally, you can turn in your cablecard and apply that charge to the dvr since you won't need to use the tv's tuner anymore.

It is much like a vcr with no tuner that records HD (no titles, descriptions, program guides).

This is definitely a limitation of your TV's UI.
2160 connected to MY TV shows program names of things recorded, as well as time + duration, and while im selecting a show it plays back a preview piece in the UI.
(Sharp LCsomeshit LCD tv which I hate)

DVR2160 is just a hard disk with a 1394 interface and some smarts for protecting you from your content. There is no tuner, cablecard, or anything else. Your TV controls the box via 1394.
Which means you schedule a recording through TV guide or whatever, and at required time the TV turns the box on and begins recording. If your TV supports it (most do) you can record one program while playing a previously recorded one. There is a big thread covering these boxes (look for indigita thread somewhere in this forum).
Does the TV have to be ON when the box records? since the box uses the TV's tuner and everything.
Are there similar products (to DVR2160) from other companies?

This is definitely a limitation of your TV's UI.
2160 connected to MY TV shows program names of things recorded, as well as time + duration, and while im selecting a show it plays back a preview piece in the UI.
(Sharp LCsomeshit LCD tv which I hate)

I record only from the moto6412 (from the playlist). I think if I recorded OTA from my mits 73713 I would probably get titles, etc. I do get duaration of each show but under title it shows "moto6412" for each show.

......If you need more space, you can connect the rca2160 to the dvr via firewire and transfer recorded shows from the dvr to the 2160 (call and make sure the firewire ports are active in your area)......

How the heck did you get your 2160 to work with your Comcast 6412? I've been trying for months to get my 3412 to recogize my DVR2160 with no luck.

Yes, my firewire ports are active;)

Has anyone had success using a DVR2160 with a Sony SXRD HDTV w/ firewire? Mine recognizes it but doesn't give any controls to use it.

Thanks:)!!!