DVD recorders: How to choose a digital TV recorder What is a DVD recorder?
What is a DVD recorder?
A DVD recorder is a digital recording device used mainly for recording television programmes, though it can be used to transfer other footage (such as that from a camcorder) onto a DVD disc.
In standard definition, you can record two hours of programmes onto one disc.
Most DVD recorders include a built-in Freeview tuner and have an electronic programme guide (EPG) showing the following week’s TV listings. Using the EPG to select the TV programmes you want to record is easier than using a VCR.
To check whether you live in an area that can receive Freeview, do a postcode check at Freeview online.
You can also use a DVD recorder to record from other TV platforms, including Sky satellite, Virgin cable or Freesat.. You’ll need to connect your set-top box to your DVD recorder with a Scart lead.
Read our guide to free and pay TV services for full details of TV services available, or read our in-depth guide to Freeview and Freesat digital TV.
Recording times
However, you’ll only get two hours of good-quality recording time per disc. You can extend the recording time using long-play settings to three or four hours, but image quality will suffer.
If you like the idea of buying a DVD recorder but want massive amounts of recording time too, consider a DVD recorder with a built-in hard disk drive.
These feature large internal hard disk drives like those you’d find on a PVR. Their storage capacities are huge – space to record more than 100 hours of programming is typical, and the largest can store 250 hours. You can also transfer any recording held onto a DVD for archiving purposes or for sharing recordings with friends.
However, combination DVD/hard disk recorders generally only have a single digital tuner. This means that you can't record two digital programmes at the same time and you can only watch one programme and record another if you also own a digital TV with its own tuner.
Blu-ray high-definition DVD recorders
The max HD experience. But how good is Blu-ray?
Panasonic have launched a range of PVRs, such as the Panasonic DMR-BS850EBK and the Panasonic DMR-BS750EBK , that also allow you to record to Blu-ray discs. They also feature internal hard drives and twin Freesat or Freeview HD tuners, allowing UK consumers to record high definition TV onto DVD disc for the first time.
See our first look Panasonic BS-850 and BS-750 video reviews, or read the full Which? review of the Panasonic DMR-BS850EBK and Panasonic DMR-BS750EBK and others from the Panasonic range.
Best DVD recorder brands
We regularly test DVD recorders and update our DVD recorder reviews with the latest models throughout the year.
But some brands of DVD recorder regularly bag our Best Buy awards. Not every model from these manufacturers is a sure-fire winner but it’s fair to say that they score a higher hit rate than most.
Don’t write off other brands, however – models from other manufacturers also feature in our Best Buy lists from time to time.
Find the best standalone and combination DVD recorders in the Which? DVD recorder reviews.
