A great sounding system that won't break the budget. With the transmitter and freestanding speakers, it would be a worthwhile addition to many homes, but look elsewhere if you seek a fully functional, totally wireless system.

The Sony SVR-HD900 is an easy to use and feature filled hard disk recorder with 160GB of disk for both standard definition and high definition TV.

A powerful recording unit, the Topfield TF7000HDPVRt is let down by the omission of a few features and options that we would've liked to have seen, but overall, it's a top-notch PVR.

The DVDR725H delivers exceptionally powerful PVR-style recording, but is let down by a poorly integrated interface and the omission of a few notable features.

A powerful and expensive device, this unit is clearly aimed at advanced users, who will find themselves more than satisfied with its incredible range of features. Newcomers to the PVR market would probably be better served with a simpler model.

A stylish system with crisp, rich sound that defies its petite stature

If you have the spare time to set it up, Pioneer’s HTiB817S is a competent home theatre system.

Yamaha's YHT-475B is a mid-priced home theatre system offering a good range of customisation for the budding enthusiast. What it lacks are next generation features such as HDMI connectivity and automatic calibration microphones. However, for the user who doesn't mind manual tinkering, and whose primary concern is sound quality, the YHT-475B makes a good buy.

It's a little raw in places, but the JVC hard disk DVD player covers all the bases.

The Philips HTS8100 is a great option for those without the space for a full 5.1 surround sound setup, but its relatively average performance in other areas prevents it from being an outstanding product.

The DMR-XW300 is a highly functional digital video recorder, with few downsides apart from imperfect DVD playback and a high price tag. If you’re looking for incredible flexibility in a single unit, you can’t go wrong here.

The DVDR9000H offers a great deal on paper but is let down by it's interface.