JVC Video Players and Recorders

The Bottom Line: JVC's stylish new HDD/DVD recorder--the first we've seen with an integrated MiniDV deck--comes with an impressive, yet incomplete, set of features.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback

The Bottom Line: JVC's promising but confounding VCR/DVD combo recorder is saddled with too many quirks.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning, Block noise reduction, S-VHS quasi playback

Editors' Take: JVC's D-VHS recorder offers an affordable--albeit retro--method to archive your high-def video.

Specs: Digital VCR, VHS, D-VHS, S-VHS, S-VHS ET, Stereo, 13.4 lbs, Universal remote control

Editors' Take: JVC's HM-DT100U digital VCR lets you receive HD broadcasts and record them on D-VHS tapes.

Specs: Digital VCR, VHS, D-VHS, S-VHS, Stereo, 13.4 lbs, Universal remote control

The Bottom Line: Despite impressive looks and compatibility, the XV-N55SL's spotty video performance keeps it out of contention.

Specs: DVD player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Dolby Digital, Stereo, Silver, 4.6 lbs

The Bottom Line: This progressive-scan dark horse comes through with good performance and features at a great price.

Specs: DVD player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Stereo, Silver, 5.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: If you must have an HD recorder/player today, this is an attractive yet expensive solution that likely will be supplanted by the HD DVD format in next few years.

Specs: Digital VCR, VHS, D-VHS, S-VHS, Stereo, Silver, 12.6 lbs, Universal remote control, NTSC

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning, S-VHS quasi playback

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Stereo, 6.2 lbs

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning, S-VHS quasi playback