If you’re a home theatre enthusiast or have the time to read a manual, the VSX817S should be easy enough to use. It offers a large range of inputs and plenty of functionality, and is only slightly hindered by its inability to decode HD formats and lack of HDMI inputs.

The CDTV400HD offers a great HDTV experience. Operation isn't as well integrated or intuitive as it could be, but the box itself still does absolutely everything it should.

The HD-7000 is a very professional box. It emphasises functionality and performance over ease of use.

This is a device designed for a single purpose, and designed to do it well. Users looking for flexibility and multiple features would be better served by another product, but those who are interested in a powerful and to-the-point DVD recorder would be hard pressed to find a better choice than the DMR10.

A great option for users who don't wish to blow their budget on big features and overblown functionality, the HVR-DX610 is a grass roots level recorder, with an emphasis on basic but very solid performance.

The HDT-1100 does the job, but a rather cheap look and feel detract from the overall package.

This is the best media streamer on the market at the moment and a pleasurable merge of form and function.

If you’d like a CD jukebox and only have 25 CDs in your collection, buy this one. Otherwise, you could do better.

An attractive, well-specified and reasonably priced micro Hi-Fi

A fairly good set top box that performs well with a nice range of outputs

The DVD-37 is a good fit for a high-end home entertainment system. Those who can afford it won't be disappointed by its quality.

This is, by far, the easiest media streamer we've used to date, and it's also one of the most powerful; an absolutely outstanding product for any music lover out there.