While not quite as heavy duty as some hard disk DVD recorders, the pioneer DVR-720H is more user friendly than most.

A slick interface and good encoder make this a quality product, but it's not without a few shortcomings.

Pioneer's DreamVision machine is unique and looks striking, but a lack of polish makes it better suited to tech-savvy users than mainstream consumers.

The Mediagate MG-35 is a combination portable hard disk and network media player. It works well; however, a relatively poor manual and tricky setup demands a tech-minded user to make the most of it.

Though Legend has done a good job in fitting two tuners into the LPVRC, some design faults hold it back from the mainstream.

Although the Hifidelio offers excellent sound and a range of useful features, it's extremely pricey--especially considering its limited storage capacity.

The HX710 is an incredibly versatile and customisable recorder, but it can be difficult to use.

The RDRHX910 combines a large array of features and options with a huge 250 gig hard drive. Unfortunately, an equally huge $1499 price tag and poor integration of many peripheral features detract from what could have been a standout recorder.

When it's plugged in, it just works. It's good for someone wanting to watch an AV source, like cable TV in another room on another TV.

An attractive package for converting just one or two devices to surround. It looks great and offers wonderful sound, but for combining the control of four or five devices, there are better alternatives.

A reasonable alternative for people who want 5.1 and already have a DVD player. It comes at a budget price but there are better options.

This SRT5390 provides excellent digital TV reception and adequate recording, timeshifting and playback functions. It lacks a USB port for transferring recorded programs to a PC.