Why it's best: The TiVo name has been synonymous with some of the highest quality DVR systems on the market, and the TiVo HD XL is no exception. The ability to record 150 hours of HD programming, download from the internet and save to the DVR, THX sound, and a solid one box design make the TiVo HD XL DVR system the best on the market. The XL stands out from the competition because it adds key features like the ability to record multiple shows at once, user friendly interfaces, music playback, photo display, and more. The hard drive is both good and bad; it is good because it can record more HD programming than any other DVR system available, and bad because like any mechanical hard drive, it is prone to failure. The XL, priced around $470, has more features than any one sane person could ever use, and has a very large hard drive for recording all of your favorite TV shows and movies in HD. The XL is the perfect all-in-one system with better performance and more features than the competition. However, if you do not need all extras and want to save some money, check out the HD TiVo DVR system. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: The TiVo HD DVR is a toned down version of the TiVo HD XL. It features 160GB internal memory (20 hours HD and 180 hours SD), video output ranging from 480i-1080i and support for recording multiple shows at once. It also works with most cable systems and is easy to setup. The TiVo HD DVR is user friendly, with easy-to-navigate menus and intuitive recording. The ability to record up to 20 hours of HD programming means that you will never have to wait around for “live TV”; you can simply set the unit to record programs while you are away. The TiVo box replaces your existing cable box, which is a convenient feature that saves space. The TiVo HD DVR is an exceptional all-in-one device that packs lots of extras, has plenty of on-board storage, and is user friendly. Priced around $250, the TiVo HD is both affordable and practical. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: The Philips 3576H DVR allows you to record your favorite shows to either the built-in 160GB hard drive or directly to DVD without being charged a monthly fee. The 3576H DVR has some additional features that the less expensive 3575H/37 DVR system from Philips lacks. The design is slick and fits in well with any entertainment system. You can permanently record shows to DVDs and the DVD player will upconvert 1080p for high quality playback, but since it cannot copy to Blu-ray you will not be able to get true HD quality. Though expensive at $799.99, wthe Philips 3576H is easy to use, requires no monthly charges, and can burn straight to DVD. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Why it's a best pick: DVR systems such as TiVo require a monthly fee to be able to use the product; if you want to avoid these fees, the Toshiba DVR system is for you. The Toshiba 670 DVR system allows you to record your favorite television programs to either VHS tapes or DVDs. Since DVDs are upconverted, the quality will be slighter better than SD, but when recorded to VHS the quality will suffer slightly. The Toshiba 670 is the perfect device for anyone looking to record movies to DVD or to casually record their favorite shows. Although the 670 does not require a monthly fee, it is expensive to constantly record to DVDs because of the price of the media. At a price of around $220, the Toshiba DVR670 is affordable and practical, but do not expect the latest in HD recording or playback. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
Amazon.com$589.95
Why it's a best pick: The Toshiba DR570 DVD recorder features high resolution 1080p upconversion, a built in tuner, as well as MP3, VCD, and JPEG playback. Setting up the Toshiba DR570 DVD is simple, easy, and requires very little time and effort. The upconversion allows for high quality DVD quality playback from recorded TV shows and movies. The design is sleek and attractive, making it the perfect fit for almost any home entertainment setting. The DR570 requires no monthly fees and burns straight to DVD (similar to VHS recorders) instead of storing the recorded shows on a hard drive. This is great for those that want permanent recordings of their favorite shows and movies. Using the device is easy, intuitive, and requires nothing complicated. For a price of around $150, the Toshiba DR570 DVD recorder is the perfect DVR system for buyers on a budget. See more reviews, photos, prices, and specs
I'd like to dump my cable TV service and replace it with some combination of Roku, Boxee, NetFlix, Hulu, etc. etc. The choices are bewildering. Of course, I'll have an internet connection. I'd like to know the best options for my scenario. We watch very little TV -- just a couple regular shows and the Olympics along with couple sports (figure skating and college football for my team). What's your recommendation?