Even without support for high definition, the CTDV100 delivers sharp, clear pictures with an easy-to-use interface and functions.

If you want to record pay TV and have a real electronic program guide, then the Foxtel iQ is the only choice. It's a fantastic product, if you're willing to pay the subscription fee for it.

It's basic and easy to use, but don't ask for too much.

As long as you're not too worried about how it looks, the HDD-J35 is an awesome PVR, with outstanding HDTV support.

Topfield has done nearly everything right with the TF5000PVRt. It's beautifully designed, can talk to PCs and is only lacking when it comes to HDTV.

An inexpensive digital PVR, the OpenTel lacks anything to really knock your socks off.

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.

The Humax PVR-8000T is unspectacular, but does a decent job as both PVR and digital set-top box.

The DEC2000T is a handy two-in-one purchase, giving you both a PC-based tuner and a standalone digital set-top box in one hit. It would have been great if you were able to access the PC-based capabilities of the box (such as recording and time-shifting) from your TV set.