Not at all. Air intake is on front right side and the fan is on back, left side.

The 2160A itself DOES NOT GET HOT! One user recorded continuously for 34 HOURS, back to back shows in 18 timer programs. Unit remained cool throughout.

I've also done many long recording sessions during my testing and found the units to remain exceptionally cool.

Just keep space on right side and back for air intake and outflow, and don't close up in an enclosed entertainment center.

More info on setup and ops here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

You can only record one program at a time. It depends on what record setting you have it set to will depend on how many hours you will get on the hard drive. I have my Phillips set to LP which will record 99 hours. But it can record much more or less if I change the setting.

yes, it will record anything connected to the unit.

This machine is designed for recording programs off the air and/or cable. I use it for timeshifting since I work nights. and I record all the shows that I want to watch later onto the HDD (hard disc drive). The programs that I want to keep, I can then edit (get rid of those pesky commercials!!) and burn (dub) directly to a blank DVD in the built-in DVD burner. This unit is not designed for the purpose you have in mind, so it will not copy those copyrighted movies to another blank DVD.
When a copyrighted movie is placed in the DVD tray, the dubbing option is grayed out in the menu, so you cannot copy it to the internal HDD.

I am not positive about all movies, but I have Dish Network, and have recorded numerous movies and also regular shows, such as 'Survivor' and it records them without any problems.

Well, you don't record FROM the TV but, instead, from an incoming signal, which can be a cable coax or antenna coax... or even a satellite receiver thru line connection.

You then send that recorded show TO the Tv via a line connection.

Here's a help file on Connections that shows some ways to set up to record from various sources:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12298409&postcount=10

Here's a help file on tuning channels from those sources:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12470932&postcount=131

Here's the entire list of help files that you might be interested in at some point:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

Yes, no problem.

Here's a help file on tuning that might answer any questions:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12470932&postcount=131

Here's a list of help files on most every setup and op question you might have:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

When OFF, the 2160A will make a whirring sound 2-minutes before a timer rec program is due to start, and at noon and midnight to search for an Auto Clock time signal (if you left Auto Clock ON, which is the default setting).

It'll also make clicking/whirring sounds when first turned on, and when loading a DVD disc.

At other times when it's not recording or otherwise busy, there should be no sounds except maybe the fan. The way these fans are mounted (2 tabs and 2 screws in the case) can set up a harmonic noise in the case, which can be stopped by pushing on top of case to test, then if it stops fan noise, put a relatively heavy object on top (some "doo-dad" like a candle?).

I have an old refurb'd 3575 that has a HDD that needs replacing and it makes a louder noise when working than my other 3575's or 2160, but is quiet when off... still works great tho, so not in a hurry to replace.

Here's a list of help files you might need in the future, including the workaround for the Finalize/Format/Erase FW bug:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

Sitting in standby without a timer

You didn't say which connection/cable you're using for video, but both the Composite (YWR RCA) and Component (TGB RCA) require red/white audio cables. HDMI doesn't require any additional cables if you leave "HDMI Audio" ON in the HDMI menu. Here's a help file on settings:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12298425&postcount=11

Here's a help file with connections reqd for each method of receiving TV, Antenna, Cable w/o box, Cable w/box, and Satellite:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12298409&postcount=10

Here's a link to the entire list of help files:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657

Yes, I sub. to analog cable, basic, and get ~60 analog channels and 14 digital/HD channels "in-the-clear" (unscrambled). The digitals are so good they'll make you wonder how you stood analog all those years!

Here's a help file on tuning and channels and what to expect (depends on your cableco what you'll be able to tune unscrambled, basically the same as your digital-tunered TV can tune):

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showpost.php?p=12470932&postcount=131

Here's a list of all the help files available for setup and op:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657