Find The Right DVD Recorders

Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK

Outstanding recording quality, tons of features, and a built-in digital TV tuner make the Panasonic DMR-EZ48VK an excellent all-purpose DVD and VHS recorder.

Specs: Stereo

Toshiba D-R410

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

Panasonic DMR-EA18K

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

Philips DVDR3575H

The Philips DVDR3575H is pretty much your only choice if you want a DVD recorder with a hard drive these days, but it's not as good as it could be.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback

LG RC797T

The LG RC797T is a competent DVD/VHS recorder with some attractive extra features, but it doesn't quite stack up to the competition.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback

Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK

Despite a few ATSC limitations, the Panasonic DMR-EZ47VK delivers almost all the features and performance we look for in a DVD/VHS recorder.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback

Samsung DVD-R135

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

JVC DR-DX5S

JVC's stylish new HDD/DVD recorder--the first we've seen with an integrated MiniDV deck--comes with an impressive, yet incomplete, set of features.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback

Panasonic DMR-ES45V

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

Lite-On HD-A740GX

While the Lite-On HD-A740GX and HD-A760GX DVD/HDD recorders won't be mistaken for true DVR substitutes, their wealth of features make them seem like real bargains.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback

Lite-On HD-A760GX

While the Lite-On HD-A740GX and HD-A760GX DVD/HDD recorders won't be mistaken for true DVR substitutes, their wealth of features make them seem like real bargains.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback

Panasonic DMR-ES25S

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

Panasonic DMR-EH75V - DVD recorder / VCR combo with 80GB HDD

Panasonic's DMR-EH75V DVD/VHS/hard drive recorder is a solid choice for hobbyists who want top-notch recording quality and a subscription-free DVR solution.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning

Sony RDR-VX530

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

Specs: JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning

Scientific-Atlanta MCP-100

Specs: Remote control

Sony RDR-HX715

Sony's RDR-HX715 boasts a mouthwatering feature package, but its steep price tag gave us pause.

Specs: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback, Block noise reduction

Panasonic DMR-ES20S

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

Panasonic DMR-ES20K

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

Panasonic DMR-ES40V

While its inability to place chapter stops on DVDs is a bummer, the capable Panasonic DMR-ES40V dubbing deck shines in most other areas.

Specs: Stereo, Remote control, JPEG photo playback, S-VHS quasi playback, One-touch recording/playback

Sony RDR-VX515

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: Stereo, Universal remote control, JPEG photo playback, Progressive scanning, Block noise reduction, One-touch recording/playback