Questions Regarding HD DirecTV Receiver Purchase

[Southern_Sky]

I was in a store over the weekend and noticed that they had apparently purchased some salvage merchandise from what must have been a high-end A/V store. They had what I would consider some nice items selling at fairly significant discounts. They had a few pair of B&O speakers, a couple of DLP projectors (one Runco), some receivers and amplifiers, one Sony 35" XBR television, and two HD DirecTV receivers, among other things. I may check into some of the other items later but at the moment I need a HD DirecTV receiver so, to get to the point, that is what I would like some advice on.

The two receivers the store had were Panasonic TU-HDS20 and Toshiba DST3000. The television I will be connecting to is a Mitsubishi 55" widescreen. The Toshiba unit was the receiver only. No remote, manuals, card, etc. The Panasonic included the remote but no manuals, card, etc. I could purchase either for about $200, maybe less with haggling. I think I can get a new card from DirecTV. I guess I could also get a new Toshiba remote or use a universal remote. Would either of these be worthwhile, particularly at these prices?

[kevinw]

The Panasonic is a discontinued model. The Toshiba has not been replaced yet and is a sister product to the Mits STB.

[Southern_Sky]

So, I should choose the Toshiba over the Panasonic? If so, that leaves me without both the access card and the remote. My guess is that it will cost me $25 or so for a new access card, which would put me at a total of about $225, still without a remote though. Any idea how much that'll cost? Is there a good universal remote for satellite receivers?

[kevinw]

Try here
http://www.remotes.com/

or check Toshiba for a replacement

[Southern_Sky]

Looks like remotes.com wants $69 for it. That gets me to about $294 total for everything I need. I suppose that it is a reasonable deal. Would you "bite" on this deal?

[Southern_Sky]

I found another Toshiba parts dealer that was willing to sell the remote for about $40, so my total cost is down to about $265. Although this is certainly better than full retail I am still somewhat hesitant at this price. From what little research I've done on this unit I've found out that the model is several years old. Is there important features that newer units would have that would make this unit less desireable?

[kevinw]

DVI outputs and different graphics for menus. Possibly better circuitry to combat multipath AND several hundred dollars more in price. If you are on a budget this is a good deal. Try an Ebay search for comparable pricing.