Hard drive DVRs are great for time-shifting shows throughout the week, but what happens when you want to permanently save every episode of 24 and Deadwood? A DVR with a built-in DVD recorder may be the answer.

Upside: Since a DVR is really just a big hard drive, adding a built-in DVD burner was the next natural step. Indeed, when these combo recorders (DVR and DVD recorder) are done right, the result is a couch potato's dream. Just pick through the list of shows on the hard drive and dump them to DVD at the touch of a button. Thanks to high-speed dubbing, you can watch whatever you want--live TV or another recording--while the disc burns in the background.

Downside: Like HD recorders, DVR/DVD hybrids command a hefty premium. Genuine TiVo models, meanwhile, often require the monthly or lifetime fee on top of the sticker price. Conversely, non-TiVo DVR/DVD models often suffer from a lackluster or unacceptable list of compromises, such as a stripped-down electronic programming guide or incompatibilities with your cable or satellite service. Other models include no EPG or cable/satellite box control options at all, and most don't even qualify as true DVRs since they aren't always recording--you have to manually press Record to pause live TV.

Outlook: We'd love to see a "free" DVR from a cable or satellite company that includes a built-in DVD burner. Until one of those hits the market, however, TiVo-powered DVD recorders are the cream of the crop.