Having so many problems with the HDC; super slow, constantly freezing, occasionally doesnt record, HDMI "handshake" sissue with my new Panny plasma, and the list goes on.

I had minimal problems with my previous box (Passport), albeit I did not have the HD version.

What do you guys think?

Welcome to HDMI. Sounds like your TV. I've got an old 8300 HDDVR and it works well with HDMI, so I'd expect the HDC to only get better. I'm picking one up tonight for testing so I can compare for you. If you haven't already, try hooking up via component to see if you get stability (I know, I know its not digital but just try it to isolate if its the TV or the cable box)

HD introduces a lot more complexity.

HDMI did not work well for either the 8300HD or HDC for my Sammy LCD. The other issues you mention are typical of Navigator. You can run back to the 8300HD with Passport or SARA, but you cannot hide. It too will get Navigator sooner or later, and it may be worse than Navigator on the 8300HDC is as that box at least has more RAM than the 8300HD does.

Ted

Just got back from the TWStation-switched back to the HD and its SO MUCH BETTER.
Gonna try and hold onto Passport as long as I can!