The RDRHX910 combines a large array of features and options with a huge 250 gig hard drive. Unfortunately, an equally huge $1499 price tag and poor integration of many peripheral features detract from what could have been a standout recorder.

The HX710 is an incredibly versatile and customisable recorder, but it can be difficult to use.

A slick interface and good encoder make this a quality product, but it's not without a few shortcomings.

While not quite as heavy duty as some hard disk DVD recorders, the pioneer DVR-720H is more user friendly than most.

The DVDR725H delivers exceptionally powerful PVR-style recording, but is let down by a poorly integrated interface and the omission of a few notable features.

The DMR-EH50S makes high-quality recordings and is easy to use, but some users may not like the TV Guide On Screen program guide.

The Philips DVDR 7300H would be one of the best hard disk recorders on the market if it came with a digital tuner, and the lack of it turns a great product into a mediocre one. Here's hoping a future release will see a digital version, and an update to the not quite user friendly menu system

The DVDR9000H offers a great deal on paper but is let down by it's interface.

The Pinnacle Video Transfer is a cute unit that's elegant at transferring analogue video to a USB storage device but thoughts of recording late night TV before an early flight are fantasies because you'll have to be there, recording. You may as well record TV to a PC and encode later, while you shower in the morning.