Magnavox MDR515H/F7

Experts and users say that DVD recorders with hard-disk drives are the easiest to use and leave owners most satisfied. Unfortunately, most manufacturers have stopped offering these in the U.S. The remaining models, such as the Magnavox MDR515H/F7, fall well short of earlier hard-drive DVD recorders but are still good performers. The Magnavox MDR515H/F7 includes a spacious 500 GB hard drive that allows it to hold up to 620 hours of programming at the lowest-quality setting and 103 hours at the highest. Other features include an integrated digital/clear QAM tuner and the ability to pause live TV. However, it lacks the elegant interface and programming guide of true digital video recorders, such as the TiVo Premier (*Est. $300 plus monthly subscription service), and recordings have to be programmed manually, just like a VCR. The Magnavox MDR513H/F7 (*Est. $200) is similar, but it has a smaller, 320 GB hard drive and skips some refinements such as an upgraded remote control that have earned positive feedback from enthusiasts. For those needing a less expensive option, the Toshiba DR570 (*Est. $160) also includes a built-in tuner, and it has useful features like chasing playback, time-slip playback and commercial skip, but it does not have a hard drive.

Though professionals haven't done a great job providing feedback on the Magnavox MDR515H/F7, there are plenty of user reviews, including nearly 150 at Walmart.com. The recorder is also extensively discussed at AVSForum.com.