How to buy the best DVD recorder

DVD recorders: How to buy the best DVD recorder

  • What type of DVD recorder is right for me?
  • Which? looks at the best DVD recorder brands
  • Subtitles, audio description and signing features
  • All you need to know about disc formats

Which? Archive

This article, How to buy the best DVD recorder, was last updated on 10 July 2009 and is now out of date and held in our online archive for reference. Explore our latest Technology articles.

What's in this guide

What is a DVD recorder?

Considering a DVD recorder? We look at the typical features or whether you might want to try a PVR

DVD or PVR – the pros and cons

Our table on DVD recorders and PVRs includes comparisons of recording times and ease of use

Freeview, Freesat, Sky or Virgin to DVD

Find out whether and how a DVD recorder will record Freeview, Freesat, Sky, Virgin to DVDs

Best DVD recorder features

We tell you the best features to look for in a DVD recorder, from Freeview+ to bookmarking

Subtitles, audio description and signing

Learn how subtitles, audio description and sign language work with DVD recorders

DVD recorder buying advice

From remote controls to programme guides, what to consider when buying a DVD recorder

Disc formats explained

The lowdown on the seven formats of recordable disc to consider when buying a DVD recorder 

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