All Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

The Bottom Line: The Dish Network DTVPal DVR offers up bare-bones, over-the-air HDTV recording without a monthly fee, but it doesn't compare to subscription-based DVRs, and Dish's nonexistent return policy makes it a real gamble.

Specs: 14.6 in x 8.8 in x 3.1 in, Black, 2, Universal remote control

The Bottom Line: The TiVo HD XL charges a hefty premium for its spacious recording capacity and THX certification, but most users will be content sticking to the all-but-identical standard TiVo HD DVR.

Specs: HD DVR, 16.5 in x 12.6 in x 3.4 in, 150 hour(s), 2, TiVo, Remote control

The Bottom Line: CNET did not review the DirecTV HR21 but we did review the HR20, which is very similar.

Specs: HD DVR, 15.0 in x 11.8 in x 3.0 in, 200 hour(s), 2, Remote control

The Bottom Line: The Dish Network ViP622 and 722 are among the most fully featured and versatile high-def DVRs you can buy today.

Specs: DVR, 16 in x 13 in x 3.5 in, Black, 350, 1, Remote control

The Bottom Line: While it's not compatible with your cable company's interactive and video-on-demand services, the TiVo HD's excellent onscreen interface and long list of network and Internet features puts it in a class above the generic high-def DVRs offered by most cable providers.

Specs: DVR, 16.5 in x 12.6 in x 3.4 in, 190, 2, TiVo, Remote control

The Bottom Line: Though its lacks CompactFlash support, the SanDisk V-Mate is ultimately a slicker and more feature-rich mini digital VCR than the similarly priced Neuros Recorder 2 Plus.

Specs: 5.1 in x 2.6 in x 0.8 in

The Bottom Line: The DirecTV HR20 is easy to use and offers plenty of features, but its operational bugs make use more of a headache than with other DVRs.

Specs: HD DVR, 15.1 in x 12.2 in x 2.8 in, 200 hour(s), 4, Remote control

The Bottom Line: The Neuros MPEG-4 Recorder 2 Plus provides a straightforward way to get video content onto your portable device without the need for a PC.

The Bottom Line: The Series3 delivers dual-tuner HD recording and some worthwhile networking features to cable customers, but the exorbitant price tag will be too much for all but the most devoted TiVo fans.

Specs: DVR, 16.5 in x 12.6 in x 3.4 in, 300 hour(s), 2, TiVo, Remote control

The Bottom Line: While its slick interface and cool networking features still distinguish it from rival DVRs, the dual-tuner function of the TiVo Series2 DT is useful only for those with analog cable service.

Specs: DVR, 15 in x 12.5 in x 3.3 in, 80 hour(s), TiVo