Panasonic E80 Question(s)

i am planning on purchasing a panasonic dmr-e80h and had a couple of
questions.  i have a sony sat-a65a directv receiver.  it has a rf
remote.  does the e80 use a rf or ir remote?  will i be able to use
the remote record feature of my dtv receiver to automatically turn the
e80 on and record a tv show as it does with my vcr?   are there any
other recorders on the market from other manufacturers that include a
hd and are recommended?   any other opinions are appreciated!

thanks