Easiest to use DVD digital TV recorders

Are these a good idea? It depends on what you want to do. Our tests show the combined DVD digital TV recorders are more complex to use than a stand alone digital TV recorder.

DVD digital TV recorders combine a Freeview tuner and hard disc recorder with a DVD recorder and player. They save space and can be easier to connect up as there are fewer units. They also make it possible to copy programmes at high speed to DVDs for sharing or storing programmes.

On the downside they are harder to use than digital TV recorders. An even greater drawback is that those currently on the market only have one digital tuner. This means that if you don’t have a digital TV or set top box you will not be able to watch one digital channel while recording another.

Of the six tested the easiest to use were the Sony RDR-HXD890 £194.99 , Panasonic DMR-EX768EB-K £207.40 and the LG RHT397H £189.99. They all have the Freeview+ feature that includes accurate recording times, so you don't miss the beginning of programmes, and 'series link' that captures every episode of a series.

For more information on equipment for recording see our FAQ section Recording different kit/features.

For more information on connecting up your kit see Connection Wizard.

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