HDD Recorder - What to buy?

[Konfucius]

As the title says I want to buy a HDD Recorder.

 

I was looking at the LG RH 188 DVD-/HDD-Recorder 160 GB (DivX certified). It got some decent reviews but I wanted to ask if anyone had some experience with LG or could recommend me another product. The price doesn't matter too much but it shouldn't exceed 500€.

I was also wondering whether or not I needed HDMI. I don't have a HD TV and as it stands I won't have one for the next few years either. So I assume I don't need a HDMI output.

 

Thanks in advance for the replies