Philips HDRW720 DVD Recorder with 120 GB Hard Drive
Great once you figure out how to work it
This is a great device that has horrible documentation and some quirky aspects. The manual that comes with it is horrible. Typically I have no problem hooking up/working with electronics, but this product was a challenge. It took me a week to figure it all out. But now that it's set up, I will never think of tv the same. It allows for complete flexibility when watching or recording. The best feature is that you can use it like a tivo (without the monthly charge OR Tivo's ability to suggest titles). My one complaint is that the DVD's created have an ugly menu that includes the formatting of the disk. I'm being picky and this won't bother most. If you want a simple recorder then this is not for you. If you'd like to time shift programs you'll love Philips. Be warned that a lot of people are returning these devices because they are tough to figure out. Take your time and read the manual many times and you will be time shifting tv like a pro.<br /><br />Pros:<br /><br />Allows you to watch a DVD or tv from hard drive while recording current tv program<br /><br />All shows recorded as you watch them which allows you to pause live tv then skip past commercials<br /><br />When the TV Guide on-screen works it is a great feature<br /><br />Looks great - with nice lights and info screen<br /><br />Great for the price<br /><br />Cons:<br /><br />Very poor documentation - makes use difficult<br /><br />difficult set-up but you only have to do this once<br /><br />Created DVD's have a strange menu, but that has no impact other than visual