VIDEO RECORDERS

Panasonic DMR-E500HS DVD Recorder/DVR

When you're looking at a hard disk recorder, it's all about disk size. The larger the hard disk, the more programming you can record and store. The last thing you want is a wimpy 40GB disk that can only store a handful of programs; that's been one of the drawbacks of TiVo's units, of late.

Well, take a look at the big hog of hard disk recorders. Panasonic's DMR-E500HS has a huge 400GB hard drive, big enough to hold more than 700 hours of programming (in EP-quality mode). It's hard to imagine filling up this puppy.

But the big hard disk isn't the only thing to like about this unit. The DMR-E500HS does double duty as both a hard disk recorder and a DVD recorder. This means you can record television programming to the hard disk, and then burn DVDs of those programs you want to archive. Or you can record directly to DVD, and use the hard disk as overflow if the program is longer than the DVD can hold. Recording from hard disk to DVD is made easier thanks to an onscreen editor, which lets you slice out commercials and insert chapter stops, titles, and menus. And it's all operable from the remote control unit.

Recording television programs is made easy thanks to the TV Guide electronic program guide. While the TV Guide EPG isn't quite as versatile as TiVo's EPG, it's free; there's no monthly subscription fees. Take that, TiVo!

And here's something else. The DMR-E500HS has an Ethernet network connection on the back. Why? So you can connect multiple units together over your home network, and serve up recorded video to different units around your home. Record a show on the main unit in your living room and then watch it later on a different unit in your bedroom. Neat!

There's even a memory card slot, so you can use the DMR-E500HS to view your digital photos. It accepts CompactFlash, MMC, SMC, and SD cards, which makes it a multiple media machine, in the best sense of the phrase.

Model: DMR-E500HS Manufacturer: Panasonic (www.panasonic.com) Hard disk capacity: 400GB Dimensions: 16.9'' (w) x 3.1'' (h) x 11.9'' (d) Weight: 11 lbs. Price: $999

Humax DRT800 DVD Recorder/TiVo DVR

If you want a combo DVD/hard disk recorder that uses proven TiVo technology (and the TiVo electronic program guide), take a look at the Humax DRT800. This unit has an 80GB hard drive, uses TiVo Series2 recording technology, and adds an easy-to-use DVD recorder. You can record programming to the hard disk, and then burn programs to DVD-R/-RW discs. You can even connect a digital camcorder (via FireWire) to save and burn your own home movies.

Model: DRT800 Manufacturer: Humax (www.humaxusa.com) Hard disk capacity: 80GB Dimensions: 16.5'' (w) x 3'' (h) x 12.8'' (d) Weight: 9 lbs. Price: $499.99

LiteON LVW-5005 DVD Recorder

If all you want is a DVD recorder without all that hard disk stuff, check out the LiteON LVW-5005. LiteON maybe isn't as well known as Panasonic or Sony, but they make good stuff at affordable prices. The LVW-5005 can burn in a variety of formats, including DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, and DVD-RW as well as CD-R, CD-RW, and VideoCD. It even has a built-in TV tuner, so you can record TV programming direct to DVD.

Model: LVW-5005 Manufacturer: LiteON (www.liteonamericas.com) Dimensions: 16.5'' (w) x 2.7'' (h) x 10.6'' (d) Weight: 6.2 lbs. Price: $300

Sony DHG-HDD550 High Definition DVR

Okay, here's one to check out. The DHG-HDD550 is Sony's entry into the hard disk recorder market, and it's a good one. What's unique about the DHG-HDD550 is its ability to record HDTV programming, as well as its huge 500GB hard disk. (It can hold 60 hours of high-def video, or up to 400 hours of standard definition programs.) It uses the TV Guide electronic program guide, and has both component video and HDMI outputs for your high-definition television.

Model: DHG-HDD550 Manufacturer: Sony (www.sonystyle.com) Hard disk capacity: 500GB Dimensions: 16.94'' (w) x 3.26'' (h) x 14.05'' (d) Weight: 12.57 lbs. Price: $999.99

TiVo Series 2 DVR

TiVo remains the name brand in hard disk recorders, primarily due to its powerful yet easy-to-use electronic program guide. (Which you pay for, in the form of a monthly fee.) TiVo offers three different Series2 recorders, in capacities ranging from 40 to 140GB. If you want to go the tried and true route (and I am a big TiVo fan), these are the DVRs to consider.

Model: TiVo Series 2 Manufacturer: TiVo (www.tivo.com) Hard disk capacity: 40GB, 80GB, 140GB Dimensions: 15'' (w) x 3'' (h) x 11.5'' (d) Price: $199.99 (40GB),$299.99 (80GB), $249.99 (140GB)