I recently acquired an HXD870 and found it so easy to set up and use. Recording freeview with the link to the guide means that programs can be accurately recorded (assuming start and stop times are correctly transmitted in the guide which they usually are) and series can be tracked even when broadcast times vary. Also films that are split into two halves are automatically recorded in full just by selecting the first half (I noticed that when recording crimewatch on BBC1 it automatically records the update after the news).
The quality of the picture when upscaled through the HDMI input of my 37" Toshiba is quite extraordinary. I've discovered that recording some programs on the HDD and replaying them on the telly sometimes increases the picture quality (you can chase play the program while recording it; a bit like time shift).
You can also play other recorded programs from the HDD whilst recording or play dvds while recording freeview. The timer function runs regardless of whether you are playing something at the time without interrupting you.
I'm absolutely delighted with this unit and thoroughly recommend it.