The 8300HD certainly isn't a perfect box, but for the most part it works. My issues are:

1) Not that fast to operate (but a lot faster than the 8000HD I used for a week).

2) Sometimes decides it's no longer going to record 3/4 of my shows despite indicating that it will. Usually I have to completely clear out my scheduled recording lists and start from scratch.

3) Not at all easy to search for specific programs or sort through the TONS of results you normally end up with.

4) FF/RW is slow to respond, low framerate and has no auto-backtrack function.

5) EPG is low resolution and somewhat fuzzy.

I also have a Sony DHG-HDD500 DVR and, while it also is far from perfect, it makes great improvements in some areas. FF/RW has snappy response and a smooth framerate, customizable auto-backtrack times, widescreen HD-resolution EPG, EPG has great search and catagory capabilities, much better way of listing previous recordings, and so on.