why is it so hard if not impossible to find a DVD-Recorder with
1) Harddrive
2) TV guide

Because they aren't making hdd models any more-at least for the US market, with a couple of exceptions. Only Phillips and Polaroid have a hdd model out. Adding the TV Guide to non hdd models would be cool, but for some reason, the makes aren't interested.

Most likely when TV Guide on Screen gets their digital transition totally into place, you'll start seeing it again.

I hope that will happen within a reasonable time

Well, they've been converting it at the TV stations all over the country little by little, so maybe in the next generation or two of models, hopefully.

thanks

How about a reasonably priced old dvd recorder with a TV Guide??