All Video Players and Recorders

The Bottom Line: Outstanding recording quality, tons of features, and a built-in digital TV tuner make the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK an excellent all-purpose DVD and VHS recorder.

Specs: Stereo

The Bottom Line: The Insignia NS-2BRDVD is an underfeatured and slow-loading Blu-ray player, but it provides basic Blu-ray playback at a bargain.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Remote control, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo, 6.4 lbs

The Bottom Line: While it isn't infallible, the Western Digital WD TV HD Media Player plays back a wide array of audio, video, and image files on your TV without the need for a computer.

The Bottom Line: While it falls short of competing options from Vudu, Apple, and Roku, the 2Wire Blockbuster OnDemand box offers basic on-demand movie streaming at an attractive price.

Specs: Digital multimedia receiver, Remote control

The Bottom Line: A bargain price and built-in DVD player distinguishes the Linksys DMA2200 from rival Windows Media Center Extenders, but we found the performance to be inconsistent.

Specs: DVD player / digital multimedia receiver, Stereo, Remote control

The Bottom Line: CNET did not review the Linksys DMA2100, but we did review the step-up model in the series.

Specs: Digital multimedia receiver, Stereo, Remote control

The Bottom Line: The Samsung BD-P2500 adds Netflix to an already well-featured and top-performing Blu-ray player, with only some minor disc compatibility issues giving us pause.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, 6.8 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Sony BDP-S550 offers excellent image quality and a solid feature set, but only consider it if you need the multichannel analog outputs.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, 7.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Samsung BD-P2550 adds Netflix and Pandora to an already well-featured and top-performing Blu-ray player, with only some minor disc compatibility issues giving us pause.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, 6.8 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Insignia NS-DXA1-APT DTV converter box has an easy-to-use design and solid video quality, but other boxes have more features or are easier for seniors.

Specs: Remote control