Just bought my HD PVR and in the process of installing it.
Some updated info:
1) You need a dual LNB receiver.
IF YOU WANT TO GO THE DIY ROUTE:
2) You then have to buy a 2 x 8 multiswitch which splits the 2 LNB signals into a max of 8. You can then connect up the 4 for your HD Decoder and the other four for additional decoders. This multiswitch cost me another R580.
3) You gotta buy cable and connectors yourself.
4) the pleasant surprise is that the decoder is capable of tru 720p and 1080i whether or not the broadcast quality is that high is a different story, but its nice to know the decoder is capable.
5) The decoder also UPSCALES all your SD content if you use HDMI: That in itself is worth the money you pay. A decent digital AMP with upscaling costs $$$$$. I've used my AMP to upscale to true 576p using component video via a DSUB connection... the diference in DSTV picture quality on a big screen was phenomenal. Upscaling to 1080i using HDMI will improve the picture quality of the non HD content even further.
6) XtraView is the easiest thing in the world to hookup.
7) The finish matches the rest of my home theater equipment
8) had a chat to the guys a SPACE and they rate that the retail price of the decoder will go up to between R2800 and R3000 once the introductory offer is over. This will still exclude installation. I spent over R800 on the switch, cable and connectors... I'm doing the wiring and setup myself so I have no idea what a technician will charge for his time. This means the price, including installation, will be well into the R4000's
I had an HD setup before so I don't factor in the price of a new TV.
Whatever your thoughts are regarding the HD PVR, a few things are for certain:
Its the first HD capable broadcast medium in SA after all this hype. We've been hearing rumours that SABC 3 was going to go HD back in 2006. Digital TV, Telkom media, 4 other broadcast licenses, bla bla bla bla... We finally have a step in the right direction...
Guess I'll just have to wait for the opening ceremony of the Olympics to see if its genuine 720p.
I might be few thousand bucks lighter but I cant describe to you the smile on my face when I hooked up the decoder to find the picture quality of the HD decoder on NORMAL content was MUCH better than my ALREADY upscaled SD PVR's picture quality... That alone made the money I spent worth it.