DVD Recorders: Reviews

The Toshiba DR570 has a few worthwhile extras that other basic DVD recorders lack, including a built-in digital tuner so that it can receive over-the-air TV or unscrambled cable TV channels. It is also compatible with a… expandreasonably large number of file types, including DivX video files. Though the DR570 can't record in high definition, it can upconvert standard-definition programming to 1080p (over HDMI). Picture quality is good, especially at higher-quality settings, and value and usability rank it higher than other DVD recorders in its class. collapse

The Toshiba DVR670 can play and record DVDs and VHS tapes, and it can be used to dub videotapes to discs -- helpful if you have a collection of home videos you want to convert to DVD. It includes a digital/clear-QAM tuner… expandso it can record over-the-air TV or programs from unscrambled cable channels. It doesn't have an electronic programming guide or a remote for controlling an external device (such as a cable box that lacks its own timer). Otherwise the feature lineup is decent, with goodies like time-slip recording, chasing playback and commercial skip included. collapse

DVD recorders with a hard-disk drive are more flexible and easier to use than DVD recorders that lack this feature. The Magnavox MDR515H/F7 has a spacious 500 GB hard drive that can store 620 hours at the lowest-quality… expandsetting or 103 hours at the highest quality. Though easier to use than most other DVD recorders, the MDR515H/F7 is harder to use than a digital video recorder (DVR) like those from TiVo. For example, recordings must be set up manually like a VCR. But you do get some DVR-like features, such as the ability to pause live TV, and there are no subscription fees. collapse