Price Paid:  $175.00 from Roxio

Summary:
The Sony has performed flawlessly for almost 6 years and is a pleasure to use. The Menu is transparent when it's on the screen, and I can watch fairly well while accessing programming. I can put in my favorite channels in quite a few categories which are pre-programmed and add or delete programs that I have listed in my favorites. There is a "lock" feature which I don't need but may benefit people with young children. I can change my display colors and fully customize my set-up with it. There is a "jump-loop" which allows me to click on a channel to save while I check other channels, and then go back to that channel by clicking on a button. The jump-loop allows you to save five channels at a time and then surf the saved ones to keep up with their progress. I can select pay-per view with a click and program a maximum amount for it to allow per month. I delete all channels that I don't receive so that everything on my listings page are channels I receive. The default setting lists channels numerically, but I can re-arrange the channels alphabetically is I wanted to. There are many other features but I never bothered to use them, as this is exactly what I wanted, and I fully satisfied.

Strengths:
Ease of use Easy to configure colors, stations, and functions wanted or preferred. Locks and limits on pay-per-view 32-bit processor makes it FAST!!!

Weaknesses:
I'm unaware of any weaknesses

Similar Products Used:
I've seen my relatives' Hughes systems, and feel sorry for those who are forced to use the free dish/receiver supplied.