Almost a year ago shaw gave me 1 year free rental of an 6412 phase III with a half price buyout at the end. The free rental is almost over and now I have no clue what to do.

Originally I was just going to purchase the box but I now see that Shaw is coming out with new boxes with large capacity drives and is going to update the firmware on this existing box so I can plug an eSata drive in to expand my recording space.

Help?!?!

What exactly are you looking for help with? You can by the PVR you currently have for 1/2 price and (assuming it is a newer model that supports the Esata connection) add the Shaw PVR Expander once the update is done....or you can buy a brand new one for $498.

I was just hoping someone could tell me if the new boxes would be worth the extra money.

If your 6412 is working OK then I would just purchase it, at the discounted price, and purchase the Expander for $200 when they are available. Your PVR should still be under warranty for a couple more years and the Expander should work with all new boxes. I just hate giving up a box that 'works' for one that may have 'issues'. You have to decide what is right for you. Shaw has replaced multiple boxes for me for every model they have ever offered, PVRs anyway, so I can't imagine that will change with any 'new' models that come along. If you purchase a 'new' PVR or combo unit (same price) the biggest advantage with be the longer warranty. Is the extra year worth it to you?

To me ... if you have sata on your box, I'd go with buy it out and get an expander.

I have a different problem, my 6412 has no sata on it (own it) and I badly need more space (2 kids and busy work means our TV time is kind of limited)