Well, Home Media Center here links to a $7 iPod stand on eBay. If you are speaking of the Windows product by the same name, first of all my personal opinion is that it is too complex and user-unfriendly for casual users (or Olympic-level couch potatoes who really can't be bothered by technology that gets in the way rather than gets out of the way).
The other thing is that Windows is all but abandoning the technology anyway, which means it is at end of life and even they have lost faith by putting a "Do Not Resuscitate" label all over it.
Remember, Windows is the OS that is too stupid to realize that a program is already open when it is already open and allows you to open multiple instances (something we rarely have in mind), so unintuitive that you have to go to the "Start" button to "Stop" it, and so unconcerned with ergonomics to eVEN rECOGNIZE wHEN yOU mIGHT hAVE tHE cAPS lOCK kEY oN bY mISTAKE. Do you really want them in charge of the most challenging technical tasks you do in your own home?
I'd consider buying the iPod stand; it's pretty cute and serves a purpose; seems like a nice idea. But Windows Home Media Center? Head for zee hills!
So don't be confused, as DTV has apparently co-opted the same name for the HR34. It might not be fully ready for prime time, but it is probably close. There is a poll here about whether there is buyer's remorse regarding it, and the results are 90% positive. I interpret that number as just about right, reflecting a platform that is new enough to still have a couple of nagging issues, yet good enough to be satisfying for most folks. Take that poll in 6 months, it will probably be 95%, and a after a year, probably about 98% (assuming they are committed to improving it).
