All Video Players and Recorders

The Bottom Line: The Apex DT250 DTV converter box is packed with features and puts out a nice picture, but it doesn't pull in as many stations as competing boxes.

Specs: Remote control

The Bottom Line: The TiVo HD XL charges a hefty premium for its spacious recording capacity and THX certification, but most users will be content sticking to the all-but-identical standard TiVo HD DVR.

Specs: HD DVR, 16.5 in x 12.6 in x 3.4 in, 150 hour(s), 2, TiVo, Remote control

The Bottom Line: The Toshiba XD-E500's XDE picture enhancements don't live up to the hype. While it's a solid upscaling DVD player, its high price makes it a hard sell.

Specs: DVD player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Dolby Digital, DTS decoder, Stereo, 3.5 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Dish Network TR-40 CRA is a great DTV converter box with a best-in-class electronic program guide and should be your top choice, unless you value the simplicity and superior remote of the RCA DTA800.

The Bottom Line: The Insignia NS-BRDVD is competent as a relatively cheap, barebones Blu-ray player, but better players are coming and the Sony PlayStation 3 is a superior option for those with just a little more cash.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Remote control, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo, 9 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Toshiba D-R410 handles basic DVD-recorder functions at a budget price, but you can get better features and performance from Panasonic's DMR-EA18K, if you're willing to spend a little more.

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Stereo, 5.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: The combination of its small design, solid feature set, and excellent image quality make the Sony BDP-S350 a worthwhile standalone Blu-ray player--especially if you can find it for less than $300.

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

The Bottom Line: The Zenith DTT901 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: Stereo, Universal remote control

The Bottom Line: Outstanding recording quality and tons of features, like flexible recording speed and chasing playback, make the Panasonic DMR-EA18K an excellent all-purpose DVD recorder.

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Remote control, Stereo, 6.2 lbs

The Bottom Line: Excellent soundtrack support and Profile 2.0-compliancy make the Panasonic DMP-BD50 the most recommendable standalone Blu-ray player to date, but the PS3 is still better and cheaper.

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