Top 10 Set Top Digital Video Recorder (DVR)

With 40/80/140 hour recording times and the ability to work with a Antenna, Cable or Satellite systems, TiVo still ranks as the top Set Top Digital Video Recorder. You can pause whatever you're watching and when you return, you can fast-forward to skip commercials. While viewing live TV, you're able to rewind in order to catch something that you missed, or you can watch the action in slow motion. Wishlist Searches and Season Pass make TiVo stand out. For the money, TiVo is still the king!

The ReplayTV 5500 Series DVRs include recording times of 40/80/160 and 320 hours. They offer virtually the same features and price structure as TiVo, but TiVo still edges out ReplayTV for ease of use. Very close to being number one and still an excellent choice for anyone interested in a DVR.

The Toshiba RS-TX60 DVR is an impressive Digital Video Recorder that records to hard drive or DVD-R/RW media. The RS-TX60 can record up to 200 hours and includes basic TiVo service for free (full TiVo functionality requires an additional fee). For the consumer looking for an all-in-one system, the Toshiba RS-TX60 is a good choice.

Combination TiVo DVR/DVD recorder with easy hard drive to DVD recording. The Humax DRT800 offers all the great DVR functions of TiVo. You get an on-screen electronic programming guide (EPG) for antenna, satellite, or cable. You also get the ability to pause and rewind live TV, capture up to 80 hours of material, and play back one show while recording another. The Humax DRT800 is an excellent combination of TiVo and DVD-recorder functionality.

A top of the line Digital Video Recorder from Sony that records an incredible 400 hours of Standard Definition (SD) TV or 60 Hours of High Definition (HD) TV. Includes the new HDMI audio/video interface for an extremely high quality connection to a comparably equipped HDTV. Includes an Electronic Program Guide (EPG). Pause, rewind and record live High-Def TV. You will have to pay for all that recording time, but an outstanding offering from Sony. Available 5/21/05.

An excellent Digital Video Recorder that includes the ability to record 200 hours of Standard Definition (SD) or 35 hours of High Definition (HD) programming. TiVo service is built-in to the HR10-250, so you can pause, rewind and record live TV. With dual TV tuners you can record two shows at once or watch a previously recorded show while recording two others. The one drawback: you must subscribe to Directv Satellite service to use this Digital Video Recorder.

The Pioneer Elite DVR-57H DVD Recorder w/Tivo is both a DVR and a DVD Recorder. It includes Free TiVo Basic Service (full TiVO Service requires an additional fee) for recording TV shows, and allows you to pause and rewind live TV. Burn your TV shows to DVD-R or DVD-RW Disc for playback in DVD Players and/or Computer DVD-ROM Drives. Includes a 120 GB hard drive. A good option for people interested in Basic TiVo Service and DVD recording.

The Motorola DCT6412 Digital Video Recorder is available from many Cable Providers for a small monthly charge. Includes 120GB hard drive and can record HD broadcasts. With dual TV tuners you can watch one show while recording another, record two shows at the same time, or watch a previously recorded show while recording another. Pause and rewind live TV and schedule recordings weeks in advance with the on-screen guide. Must be a Cable subscriber to use.

Dish Network offers a Digital Video Recorder that doubles as a Satellite Receiver and High Definition DVR. Includes a large 250GB hard drive for lots of recording space. Dish Network offers their own TiVo-like service called "Dish Network DVR Service", which allows users to pause, rewind and record live TV. Similar to the DirecTV DVR with TiVo, you can only get this box with a subscription to Dish Network Satellite service.

Scientific Atlanta, like Motorola above, makes a Digital Video Recorder for Cable Providers. The 8300 HD is capable of recording High Def and Standard Definition broadcasts. The 160GB hard drive holds 90 hours of SD programming and 20 Hours of HD. Pause and rewind live TV, record two programs at once, and instant replay a live program. A great DVR available from many cable companies. Monthly fee required on top of regular cable bill.