DVD Recorders

The Bottom Line: Outstanding recording quality, tons of features, and a built-in digital TV tuner make the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK an excellent all-purpose DVD and VHS recorder.

Specs: Stereo

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: 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 Philips DVDR3575H is pretty much your only choice if you want a DVD recorder with a hard drive these days, but it's not as good as it could be.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback

The Bottom Line: The LG RC797T is a competent DVD/VHS recorder with some attractive extra features, but it doesn't quite stack up to the competition.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback

The Bottom Line: Despite a few ATSC limitations, the Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK delivers almost all the features and performance we look for in a DVD/VHS recorder.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback

The Bottom Line: The Samsung DVD-R135 is a relatively inexpensive and stylish DVD recorder with HDMI upscaling, but it's not quite as good as the competition.

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Remote control, Stereo, Black, 4.2 lbs

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: Excellent recording quality and an HDMI output make the Panasonic DMR-ES45V a top contender in the DVD/VHS recorder market.

Specs: Stereo, JPEG photo playback

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