All DVD Recorders

The Bottom Line: While the Lite-On HD-A740GX and HD-A760GX DVD/HDD recorders won't be mistaken for true DVR substitutes, their wealth of features make them seem like real bargains.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback

The Bottom Line: Despite some problems with disc compatibility and DVD playback quality, the eminently affordable, well-featured Panasonic DMR-ES25S is the basic DVD recorder to beat.

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

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's DMR-EH75V DVD/VHS/hard drive recorder is a solid choice for hobbyists who want top-notch recording quality and a subscription-free DVR solution.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning

Editors' Take: CNET previews the Sony RDR-VX530, a DVD recorder/VCR combo to be released in June 2006.

Specs: JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning

Specs: Remote control

The Bottom Line: Sony's RDR-HX715 boasts a mouthwatering feature package, but its steep price tag gave us pause.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback, Block noise reduction

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's entry-level DMR-ES20 DVD recorder offers excellent recording quality and easy camcorder dubbing, but its editing features fall short.

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Remote control, Stereo, Silver, 7.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's entry-level DMR-ES20 DVD recorder offers excellent recording quality and easy camcorder dubbing, but its editing features fall short.

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Remote control, Stereo, Black, 7.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: While its inability to place chapter stops on DVDs is a bummer, the capable Panasonic DMR-ES40V dubbing deck shines in most other areas.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback, S-VHS quasi playback, One-touch recording/playback

The Bottom Line: Sony's RDR-VX515 VHS-DVD recorder combo scores big with its support for double-layer DVD+R discs but drops the ball with its so-so VHS-to-DVD dubbing quality.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning, Block noise reduction, One-touch recording/playback