I guess you have not explored the European Market for awhile? It's all the same kit with the same part numbers these days. Has the rest of the world influenced the US or is it the other way around? Either way a convergence of standards benefits us all.

I'm not talking about the actual components or connections being standardized, like HDMI. Most stuff in the US sold that doesn't use a power adapter won't accept multiple voltages. Generally multiregion players are not sold off the rack, a lot can be hacked with a code but some need to be physically modified.

That's the same in Europe, although the physical hacks are rare these days. The point I was making Is that if you buy something like a DH810 Sony amplifier it is multi voltage by default now because it is an international product and costs nothing more to make multi voltage. This saves Sony producing parallel products and more efficient use of the factory production. It is quite recent but is the way its moving. Global efficiencies and all that!

However a moot point for me as the stuff I will be bringing is multi voltage. Buying new stuff I will have to be mindful to choose carefully or resign myself to writing it off if I did head home!

Yes - stuff bought in Europe will mostly work anywhere - stuff bought in the US typically may or may not.

Remember that prices in the US are typically much lower than they are in Europe so manufacturers have no incentive to configure equipment intended for the US domestic market in such a way as to make it easy to use elsewhere.

Next question..... What about recording stuff? Is there an equivalent to the Sky+ box that has a built in digital recorder?

yes

The cable and satellite companies have various offerings. Check out the websites for any of those you are interested in. The two main satellite providers are Directv (http://www.directv.com) and Dish (http://www.dishnetwork.com).
Stay away from the old Motorola DVRs from the Cable companies though. They're 1990's tech that will make you pull your hair out. If they offer MOXI boxes, go for those instead.
Tivo is another possibility. I use my own Windows Media PC box as my DVR but it's more of a do-it-yourself option.

We had a lot of trouble with MOXI. The Direct TV has been much better.

We all know that and that's sensible. You'll find that isn't the case for most electronics sold in the US though.