I have played with 3 set top boxes over the last two weeks: Toshiba DST3000 (DirecTV, but does OTA HDTV), Panasonic DST52, and Samsung SIRT351. Here is a brief synopsis of my finds:

Toshiba: weak reception, unit generated lots of heat, OK user interface, program guide didn't work. Did have a timer function + IR blaster.

Panasonic: noisy fan, small form factor, primitive user interface, no program guide, no easy toggle of CC. Did have a timer function, but only 2 slots!

Samsung: Quiet and cool, but large form factor. Nice interface, nice program guide. But, no timer function, and annoying grey bars which can't be changed to black. Best reception of three.

So, can you guys suggest an OTA STB that has these features:


Programmable timer for SD VCR
Quiet (no cooling fan?)
480i menu support
Black side bars
OTA program guide
Good, sensitive tuner (3rd gen?)

Samsung DTB-H260F (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=728392): the replacement to the Samsung you tested. 5th gen tuner, 480i menu support over component video output, quiet, and black bars.

Most previous post in the above list (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=728392&goto=lastpost)

They may be hard to find. Try Circuit City, both the stores and online.

Samsung DTB-H260F (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=728392): the replacement to the Samsung you tested. 5th gen tuner, 480i menu support over component video output, quiet, and black bars.

Most previous post in the above list (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=728392&goto=lastpost)

They may be hard to find. Try Circuit City, both the stores and online.

I read on other threads that this unit does not show graphics on 480i? (I have s-video or composite inputs only)

In those inputs, you're correct. I have the same problem and it annoys me. You can plug the composite jack from your TV into the green plug on the back of the Samsung and get the menus and graphics in black-and-white. I know -- it's not the same as color...

In the next few months there will be a whole new generation of HDTV tuners that'll hopefully sidestep that issue and have other cool features. Prices will start at $230:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=786948