Dreambox in Irelan d - A few questions (new to these)

Hi,
I am based in Ireland and have NTL. I want to get a dreambox. I am fairly techically minded but I don't know alot about cable or these boxes.

We have a HD tv and NTL are saying that they will be offering HD services next year.

This would push me in the direction of the 8000. Will there be much work involved in configuring this?

Are there any alternatives I should be considering?
Where are good places to buy these as I would not like to get a fake.

Thanks very much,
Workaccount

 

The dream 8000 box is announced since 2 years and nobody knows if this box will ever reach the market.