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DVD recorders: How to choose a digital TV recorder

  • What's the best digital TV recorder for you with hints and tips to help with buying
  • PVR or DVD recorders explained including the pros and cons of each
  • High definition (HD) digital recorders explained including what features to look out for

What's in this guide

What type of digital TV recorder is right for you?

Our interactive choosing tool will make sure you get the digital TV recorder that's perfect for your needs

DVD or PVR – the pros and cons

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

What is a PVR?

We explain how PVRs differ from DVD recorders and reveal the brands to look out for

What is a DVD recorder?

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

Which features do the best digital TV recorders have?

How to work out how many hours worth of TV you can store, what to look for in an EPG and more

Digital TV recorder buying advice

What to look out for when you're shopping for a digital TV recorder on the high street or online 

Subtitles, audio description and signing 

Digital TV recorders automatically record subtitles, but only some can record audio description. Find out more

Disc formats explained

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