Hi mate
No the VU does not have blind search.
I wont start going through the pros and cons of all the Linux HD boxes id be here all night.
All i will say is bang for buck the VU is at the top of the list. So good my DM800 is a very attractive book end.
Unfortunately no one can tell you where to purchase the VU as we have a forum sponsor and the mention of other dealers would be unfair.
Ferret