"The model 942 offers several types of recording capabilities. It allows you to set TV1 and TV2, manual/auto event timers and also to do quick records. Of course, to fully appreciate Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, you will have to use the digital optical output tethered to a home theater receiver or processor with the proper number of speakers. There are 50 automatic and manual event timers that can be used to program the 942 to record directly to the hard-drive. You can also automatically set the receiver to tune to a program at a desired time, e.g. ABC at 9 p.m. on Sunday night for Desperate Housewives, or to have Into The West recorded on TNT-HD. You can watch one channel, and record two standard definition channels. Or, you can record one HD channel and a standard definition channel simultaneously."The model 942 is an ideal satellite HD receiver because it allows you to be able to watch and record satellite TV programs in two different locations simultaneously via only one box. It is unfortunate that the second TV cannot play back 5.1 surround sound but overall it looks like a nice solution.