All Video Players and Recorders

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: If you're dead set on a standalone Blu-ray player, the BDP-S350 has a small form factor, solid feature set, and relatively low price--but the PlayStation 3 is still a better value.

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: The Samsung BD-P1500 lacks some features and doesn't perform as well as the PlayStation 3, but its relatively low price makes it a solid option for those few people on a budget who still demand a standalone Blu-ray player.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Stereo, 8.6 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

The Bottom Line: While it's still a work in progress--and currently lean on quality content--the Netflix Player's simple operation, overall convenience, and cheap price makes it a compelling option for Netflix subscribers looking for instant gratification.

Specs: Digital multimedia receiver

The Bottom Line: The BDP7200 has a unique design and is Profile 1.1 compliant, but subpar Blu-ray image quality and the lack of onboard audio decoding options limit its appeal.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Remote control, Dolby Digital, Surround Sound, 9.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Oppo DV-983H is pretty much the ultimate standard-def disc player, but its high price means videophiles on a budget can get a better bang for their buck.

Specs: DVD player, Tabletop, Remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital Surround EX, Surround Sound, Black, 6.2 lbs