All DVD Recorders

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 Samsung DVD-AR650 is a solid DVD recorder with a nice collection of features for digital video archivists.

Specs: DVD recorder with TV tuner, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Surround Sound, Black, 7.1 lbs

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: 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

Editors' Take: CNET previews the Sony RDR-VX530, a DVD recorder/VCR combo to be released in June 2006.

Specs: DVD recorder, 10.6 lbs

The Bottom Line: Sony's RDR-VX515 VHS-DVD recorder combo scores big with its support for double-layer DVD+R discs but drops the ball with its so-so VHS-to-DVD dubbing quality.

Specs: DVD recorder, Universal remote control, Silver

The Bottom Line: Although it lacks a programming guide like that of its TiVo-powered rivals, Pioneer's slim, beginner-friendly DVR-DVD combo boasts some thoughtful features.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback

The Bottom Line: The DVR-810H is a nearly perfect marriage of TiVo and DVD-recorder functionality.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, Progressive scanning

Specs: DVD recorder, Tabletop, Remote control, Black, 9.3 lbs