$500 - $1000 Video Players and Recorders

The Bottom Line: The LG BD300 deftly combines Blu-ray and Netflix streaming in a single box, although there are better standalone players without Netflix.

Specs: Remote control

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic DMP-BD55 is the best standalone Blu-ray we've tested and it's a good choice for those with older receivers, but most people will get the same performance out of the cheaper DMP-BD35.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, Black, 5.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Insignia NS-DXA1 DTV converter box has an easy-to-use design and solid video quality, but buyers should be aware of cheaper--and possibly better--alternatives coming in the future.

The Bottom Line: A handful of notable upgrades from the entry-level model, the 80GB PS3 is superb Blu-ray player and high-definition game console.

Specs: Sony PlayStation 3 - Game console, BD-ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Cell Broadband Engine, 256 MB - Integrated, 1920 x 1080

The Bottom Line: With excellent image quality, slick design and an attractive feature set the Samsung BD-P1200 is the best dedicated Blu-ray player yet, but its high price will scare away most buyers.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, 9.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: The highly versatile Buffalo LinkTheater can play DVDs, high-def streaming video, and digital music, but it falls short on implementation.

Specs: DVD player / digital multimedia receiver, Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning

The Bottom Line: The Lite-On LVW-5005 provides no-frills DVD recording at an affordable price.

Specs: DVD recorder, Remote control, Stereo, 8.8 lbs

The Bottom Line: With a higher price and fewer features than what you'll find on competing players, you'd be better off with Samsung's DVD-V1000.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, One-touch recording/playback

Specs: Blu-Ray disc changer, Tabletop, Remote control, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS HD High Resolution Audio, DTS-HD Master Audio, Stereo

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Surround Sound, 12.3 lbs