On-screen display DVD Recorders

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 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: Panasonic's entry-level DMR-ES10 DVD recorder offers excellent recording quality but falls short when it comes to editing features.

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Stereo, Silver, 7.9 lbs

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's entry-level DMR-ES10 DVD recorder offers excellent recording quality but falls short when it comes to editing features.

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Remote control, Stereo, Black, 7.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: This entry-level DVD recorder offers a FireWire input, but its confusing menus and useless remote will confound beginners.

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Stereo, 8.8 lbs

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's least-expensive DVD recorder is a good choice for basic TV and video archiving.

Specs: DVD recorder, Universal remote control, Stereo, Silver, 7.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: Panasonic's least-expensive DVD recorder is a good choice for basic TV and video archiving.

Specs: DVD recorder, Universal remote control, Stereo, Black, 7.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: With its limited TV-recording options, the bargain-priced AR-230 is best suited for creating archive DVD copies of existing VHS and camcorder videos.

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

The Bottom Line: With its built-in programming guide, the DRC8000N is a fine value for basic recording--as long as it works with your cable system.

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Universal remote control, MPEG, Stereo