EmailBest Reviewed
DVD Recorders
- Basic DVD recorder Panasonic DMR-EA18K *Est. $180
- No-frills DVD recorder Toshiba D-R410 *Est. $120
- VCR/DVD recorder combo Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK *Est. $280
- Hard drive DVD recorder Philips DVDR3576H/37 *Est. $350
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Hard drive DVD recorder
- Easier to use than most
- Stores up to 198 hours of video
- Built-in digital tuner
- Can pause live TV
- No program guide
- Must be programmed manually
- Poor picture quality
Experts and users say that DVD recorders with hard disc drives are the easiest to use and leave owners most satisfied. Reports point to the Philips DVDR3576H/37 as currently the best of this kind. It has a 160 GB storage capacity that allows it to hold up to 198 hours of programming at the lowest quality setting and 33 hours at the highest. An integrated digital tuner means that the Philips recorder won't become obsolete when analog broadcasting ends. Users say, however, that while the DVDR3576H/37 can pause live TV, it's not really a substitute for a true digital video recorder like TiVo (*est. $250 to $800, plus subscription) or those available from cable, fiber or satellite TV providers, though at least there's no monthly charge. For those on a budget, the Toshiba D-R410 (*est. $120) has few frills, but gets good user reviews.
For those on a budget, the Toshiba D-R410 (*est. $120) has few frills, but gets good user reviews. The best guidance about the Philips DVDR3576H/37 comes from user feedback. For example, a sizable amount of information about this model is available at AV Science Forum, a busy home-theater enthusiast site. We also found user reviews at Amazon.com and NewEgg.com, although there's not a ton of feedback. CNet.com and Consumer Reports magazine don't cover the current Philips recorder, but do report on its similar predecessor, the Philips DVDR3575H/37.
Philips DVDR3576H DVD Recorder with 160GB Hard Disc and Built-In Tuner |
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Our Sources
1. Amazon.com
The Philips DVDR3576H/37 gets four out of five stars from users after more than 20 reviews. Most users seem pleased overall, and several of the reports are long and detailed. Only one owner gives it the lowest rating.
Review: Philips Hard Disk/DVD Recorder 160 GB (DVDR3576H/37), Contributors to Amazon.com
2. NewEgg.com
While there are fewer reviews here for the Philips DVDR3576H/37 than at Amazon.com, the pattern of satisfaction is similar. One advantage here is that most posters at this technology-oriented site have a high level of technical knowledge.
Review: Philips DVDR3576H/37 160 GB Hard Disk/DVD Recorder, Contributors to Newegg.com
3. CNET
This review is of the older Philips DVDR3575H/37, but the upgrades to the current Philips DVDR3576H/37 are small enough that most of the comments remain relevant. Some issues are found, but the reviewer says that this is "pretty much your only choice if you want a DVD recorder with a hard drive."
Review: Philips DVDR3575H Review, Matthew Moskovciak, Nov. 5, 2007
4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
Consumer Reports' coverage includes the Philips DVDR3575H/37, the similar predecessor to the current Philips DVDR3576H/37. Testing is impartial, but discussion is disappointingly brief.
Review: DVD Recorders, Editors of Consumer Reports
5. AVSForum.com
While most of the opinions posted aren't from professional reviewers, several threads discuss the Philips DVDR3576H/37 specifically and at length. You can find user reports, reviews, discussions of features and flaws and more, but there's no easy rating system.
Review: DVD Recorders, Contributors to AV Science Forum
