More manufacturers should be following Panasonic's example with the DMR-EX85. A truly outstanding product, the omission of a time shift buffer is the only feature preventing this unit from being a near-perfect purchase.

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

A good design and delivers on the features it includes. However buyers should be aware of the omissions: time shift of live TV is not supported and the device includes an analogue rather than digital tuner.

The LG-RH1999G has a lot of great features, including wide support for DVD recordable formats and SD/HDTV upscaling, but is let down by poor signal reception.

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.

The Sony SVR-HD900 is an easy to use and feature filled hard disk recorder with 250GB of space for both standard definition and high definition TV.

The Philips DVDR 7300H would be one of the best hard disk recorders on the market if it came with a digital tuner, and the lack of it turns a great product into a mediocre one. Here's hoping a future release will see a digital version, and an update to the not quite user friendly menu system

LG's LST-5403P is a top of the range hard disk recorder with plenty of storage space and an interface grandma could use. A great, albeit pricey, contender.

A basic HDD/DVD recorder that will appeal to those seeking a simplistic system

Highly recommended, the HX1010 adds HDMI and a bigger hard drive to an already thoroughly impressive model.

The DMR-EH50S makes high-quality recordings and is easy to use, but some users may not like the TV Guide On Screen program guide.

An exceptional recorder, inhibited only by a lackluster remote, the NEC NDH-160 is the perfect option for those looking for all the efficiency and functionality of LG's RH7926W, but minus the high price tag.