Philips' DVDR560H is the best DVD/Hard Drive recorder we have reviewed to date. It outperforms the competition in nearly every way, delivering unprecedented levels of flexibility and functionality.

It's initially tricky to operate, but the RD-XS34 offers plenty of powerful features and is a gem once you've mastered it.

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

A basic HDD/DVD recorder that will appeal to those seeking a simplistic system

A good design and delivers on the features it includes. However buyers should be aware of the omissions: time shift of live TV is not supported and the device includes an analogue rather than digital tuner.

The DMR-EX77 seems to be having a hard time deciding what kind of device it wants to be. Although it upscales DVDs to high definition, it can't decode high-definition TV. Apart from this little contradiction however, it's generally a functional and easy-to-use recording unit.

After all the hype and wait, the TiVo HD isn't the ground-breaking product it was touted as. It's got some nifty new features which we'd love to see widely accepted though and it's a worthwhile investment if you want a comprehensive electronic TV program guide.