Ive been studying up on these motorola boxes in the hopes of getting HD soon, this website has been an invaluable resource (one of the only online) regarding shaw hd and the motorola boxes.

Im stuck between getting the 6200 or the pvr 6416, Ive heard the 6416 has many problems and a short lifespan, but I know shaw has a 3 year warranty and an "unofficial" unlimited warranty (which means nothing if its not in writing) however the 750 $ price is way too expensive for the amount of problems they seem to have.

my question is: what is the lifespan of these two models?
is the 6200 more reliable than the 6416 since its not a pvr? or do both of these models die often.

and how good is shaw with thier warranty? do they still swap boxes out after 3 years?

Easy choice. Once you have a PVR there is no going back. If Shaw has rental option, try that instead.

I have the Moto box and it works fine.