Excellent Web-based management; supports USB external storage and printers; RAID configurations; keeps tab of RSS feeds.

Hard to set up and has limited over-the-Internet access; slow RAID 1 performance; USB ports are on the front.

If you don't need remote access and can look past sluggish RAID 1 performance, the Zyxel NSA-220 NAS drive offers a useful set of basic features, solid performance, and best-in-class Web-based management.

Can record two HD programs simultaneously while playing back a third, previously recorded one; huge 1TB storage capacity; expandable storage; accepts cable TV and over-the-air signals; 30-second commercial skip; excellent easy-to-use interface and remote;...

Requires subscription fee in addition to cable bill; sluggish transitions between menu screens; does not work with video-on-demand services; requires extra tuner box for cable systems with switched digital video services; must program 30-second skip; no p...

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.

Can record two HD programs simultaneously while playing back a third, previously recorded one; huge 1TB storage capacity; expandable storage; accepts cable TV and over-the-air signals; 30-second commercial skip; excellent easy-to-use interface and remote;...

Requires subscription fee in addition to cable bill; sluggish transitions between menu screens; does not work with video-on-demand services; requires extra tuner box for cable systems with switched digital video services; must program 30-second skip; no p...

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.

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

The HR20 and the HR21 share the same capacity for recorded shows, the same remote control, and the same features otherwise. For more information, refer to our full review of the DirecTV HR20.

Records TV programming to DVD or built-in 160GB hard drive; ATSC tuner for receiving digital broadcasts; HDMI output upscales to 1080p; 30-second commercial skip button; plays photos and MP3s from USB drives; one of the only DVD/hard-drive recorders curre...

No support for dual layer or DVD-RAM discs; ATSC tuner cannot deliver full native HDTV resolution; no onscreen program guide or IR blaster limits ability to be used as a DVR; no flexible recording length; mediocre video quality on video-based content; sub...

The Philips DVDR3575H is pretty much your only choice if you want a DVD recorder with a hard drive these days, but it's not as good as it could be.

The Audiovox XM Xpress radio receiver is inexpensive and offers a decent array of useful features, such as multiple presets and the ability to store song data. It includes a car kit and a remote, and the modular design allows you to use it in a variety of...

The XM Xpress sound quality isn't great, the screen is monochromatic, and you'll need to buy optional accessories to listen to it at home or on the go. It doesn't have a significant amount of built-in memory.

The Samsung DVD-R135 is a relatively inexpensive and stylish DVD recorder with HDMI upscaling, but it's not quite as good as the competition.

Relatively inexpensive; HDMI upscaling to 480p, 720p, and 1080i; flexible recording length; FireWire input; DivX support; solid disc compatibility; adjustable length commercial skip.

No support for recording on DVD-RAM or dual-layer discs; HDMI performance isn't as good as that of some stand-alone players.

Receives and records new MPEG-4 AVC programming, including local and other HD channels not available on older receivers; dual-output mode for secondary TV; can record up to three HD shows simultaneously while playing back a fourth; 30-second commercial sk...

Generally lighter selection of local HD and sports channels than cable; annoying interstitial PPV page; defaults to "all episodes" for EPG-initiated recordings; uglier EPG and menu system than TiVo HD and DirecTV; no built-in networking functionality.

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

Receives and records new MPEG-4 AVC programming, including local and other HD channels not available on older receivers; can record two HD shows simultaneously while playing back a third; can record two over-the-air HD programs simultaneously; excellently...

Operational bugs include dropped video and audio, crashes, and missed recordings; lacks true 30-second skip function; no picture-in-picture; generally lighter selection of local HD sports channels than cable; no aspect-ratio control with HD sources; still...

While it currently lags in futuristic features and we wish its skip wasn't so commercial-friendly, DirecTV's HR20 high-definition DVR will satisfy all but the most ardent TiVo fans.

Can record two HD programs simultaneously while playing back a third previously recorded one; accepts cable TV and over-the-air signals; replaces your existing cable box; 30-second commercial skip; excellent user-friendly interface and remote; impressive...

Extremely expensive, especially compared to "free" DVRs available from cable providers; does not work with pay-per-view and video-on-demand services; requires monthly fee in addition to cable bill; CableCard installation can be problematic; no TiVo To Go...

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.