Either would make a good beginner's radio.

Servos do not care what brand of receiver they are plugged into. Servos will work with any receiver.

As for receivers, HiTec and Futaba will work with each other's transmitter. I am not sure about JR and Airtronics receivers.

I strongly suggest the following:

1. Go to your local flying field and see which BRAND of radio the MAJORITY of the people are using, then get that brand. Manuals are good, but when (not if, but when ) a question or problem arises, a live person with knowledge of your brand of radio is much better.

2. For a few dollars more I would suggest a 6 channel COMPUTER radio. The Futaba 6EXA is a very good radio. Other manufacturers have similarly priced radios. Computer radios allow you to store multiple models in memory among other things. Usually by a person's 3rd or 4th plane they are wanting retracts or flaps. By getting the 6 channel initially you save by not having to go and buy a second radio.

3. If you do not know how to fly, GET AN INSTRUCTOR. While people have taught themselves how to fly, it is a VERY STEEP learning curve and usually quite expensive. The average person trying to teach themselves how to fly typically has an initial 1st flight of less than 30 seconds and usually results in damage to the plane. Clubs provide instructors at no charge.