Dish Network DTVPal

DVR that records free over-the-air HDTV; no monthly fees; excellent image quality; dual-tuner design means you can record two program simultaneously from one antenna; 30 hours of HD recording.

Works more like a VCR than a modern DVR; bland user interface; lacks the polish of TiVo HD or Dish's own HD DVRs; terrible warranty and return policy; troubling online reports of crashing and freezing.

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.

Excellent electronic program guide, with several days worth of data; can search for programs by title; solid video quality and reception; good aspect ratio controls for handling wide-screen programs on standard TVs; analog pass-through; can work with...

Overcomplicated remote can't control TV volume and power; no front panel buttons means you're out of luck if the remote goes missing; composite audiovisual cable not included.

The Dish Network DTVPal is a great DTV converter box with a best-in-class electronic program guide and should be your top choice, unless you value the simplicity and superior remote of the RCA DTA800.