Instead of an HDMI rec'r I got a Blu-ray player with analog outs.
The rec'r I do have I got for $120 from a pawn shop. It works.
I think I'm turning into Seth with all the used deals. All I can say is thank God for the upgraditis of others. The deals left in their wake are staggering.
Your fire place is making me crazy though. It completely screws that room for A/V. Please tell me she already lived there and you moved in. I can't bear the thought of you actually letting fire be more important than proper TV height.
Maybe you can use the inside of the fire place to house gear?
... j/k.
I guess cohabitation is better than surround sound.