The Pinnacle Video Transfer is a cute unit that's elegant at transferring analogue video to a USB storage device but thoughts of recording late night TV before an early flight are fantasies because you'll have to be there, recording. You may as well record TV to a PC and encode later, while you shower in the morning.

While we like the LinkSYS Media Center Extender with DVD Player DMA2200, we found using Media Center too unreliable to replace our Freeview boxes, let alone a service such as Sky+. And although media streaming and DVD upscaling make this a fully-featured device, its Media Center foundation prevents it from reaching its potential.

Sharp's ANPR1000H home cinema stand provides a solid stereo performer that can be used as a TV stand, but falls short for surround sound enthusiasts.

We like the new form factor, we like the Blu-ray player and we like the HDMI output, but the external USB TV-tuner should really be an internal device. That aside, the TP2G is a good performer and has a reasonable amount of space on board for media enthusiasts.

The HT762TZ is a fantastic-looking home theatre system in a box, which offers surprisingly good sound quality, and the ability to upscale standard-definition DVDs to suit new TVs.

If you need a fast way to make DVDs without a computer, the VRD-MC5 is a relatively cheap and user-friendly option. Unfortunately, its unashamed bias towards Sony-branded camcorders slightly lessens its charms.

Sharp's BDHP20X is well worth considering as an entry-level Blu-ray player, delivering a good selection of features for an affordable price.

A truly fantastic AV receiver, one sure to last for a long time to come, the LX60's only major drawback is its price.

For a pre-packaged system in this price range, the Samsung HT-TX500 actually delivers impressive value for money. Fans of huge explosions and roaring car engines will love this system, although those looking for something a little more refined and subtle may be better served by a different product.

The DMR-EX77 seems to be having a hard time deciding what kind of device it wants to be. Although it upscales DVDs to high definition, it can't decode high-definition TV. Apart from this little contradiction however, it's generally a functional and easy-to-use recording unit.

Ignoring price, this is probably the best Blu-ray player we've seen to date. If you're willing to pay a premium then it's an excellent product.

By modern standards it may be considered a slightly 'old' unit, lacking the latest in home entertainment technology, but for those looking for a great quality receiver, the AVR 245 is hard to pass up.