ReplayTV’s entire 5000 series lets you distribute recorded programs within your home and share personal and non-protected video content with 15 friends and family members who own one of the ReplayTV 5000 series DVRs.

Among the ReplayTV 5040 DVR’s other fantastic features includes 40 hours of programming while letting you pause, replay and slow down live TV – all with no tapes, timers or hassle. There is also a handy ‘Commercial Advance’ feature that plays recordings without advertising. This enables you to watch television on your own schedule without the interference of ads.

The ReplayTV 5040 also hooks up easily to your cable modem or DSL internet for fast broadband video transfers and other broadband-connected 5000 series users. You can also share video throughout your home using a built-in Ethernet port and existing home entertainment equipment.

The ReplayTV 5040 provides ‘iChannels’ that let you download video content from the internet as well as the ‘Replay Channel Guide ‘where you can download a daily grid-based list of the program schedule. This is ideal for those who want a list of shows that can be recorded at the touch of a button.

DVR software is easily upgradeable and easy to use. Newer versions of DVR software can be installed by automatic download when a DVR card is recognised by a computer. However, conflicts may arise when newer versions of software are installed and upgrading the existing program may not necessarily translate to improved performance.

The evolution of DVR software is ongoing and every day improves to meet the increasing demands of users. With DVR use expanding into many sectors beyond home entertainment and security systems, DVR software is also in demand.

DVR software usually also includes CDR software functions, including the ability to read and modify CDs. To ensure your DVR software includes CDR functionality, you should research all the DVR software products first before making a purchase.

This Toshiba DVR is fairly basic but meets the general requirements of a good DVR. It performs basic DVD recordings without a problem, upscales DVDs to 1080p and supports most recordable DVD formats including dual-layer DVDs.

Unlike other DVRs, this Toshiba DVR does not have a built-in tuner, so any recordings will need to be made from an external video source – such as a cable or satellite set top box connected to the unit’s S-video or composite video input. As with almost every DVR, this Toshiba DVR does not have component video or HDMI inputs and thus cannot record high def material at full 1080p resolution.

While it is a viable option for those after a budget DVR, the list of limitations on this Toshiba DVR is long. It doesn’t include an IR blaster, so you need to set your cable or satellite box to the right channel to schedule recordings properly. There also aren’t any useful extra features like flexible recording speed or DVD-RAM compatibility, so it’s a bit light on connectivity. It also records at a mediocre quality level unless you set it at the highest mode, which is pretty constraining on space. However, if you can live with less than perfect recordings and want to stick to a budget, this Toshiba DVR is for you.

This Panasonic DVR has the added function of allowing users to browse and watch Picasa and YouTube videos over the internet, known as the ‘Viera Cast’ function. It also features a dual-HD tuner meaning you can watch one program in HD while recording in another. Furthermore, it also enables you to have on-board backup – something many cable TV providers charge for or do not offer.

The DMR-XW350 stands out from other Panasonic DVR models in that it has an efficient H.264 encoder and can record up to 120 hours of content onto its 250GB hard drive. It’s older and chunkier brother, the DMR-XW450 boasts a 500GB hard drive. Both allow for DivX movie playback, and you can watch these via the on-board USB slot or by playing burnt DVDs.

One of the best new features about this Panasonic DVR is that it is able to upgrade its service without the machine needing to be updated, being all server-based. Panasonic have also given something to look forward to in saying that further services will be made available, but no details are out as yet. In any case, the DMR-XW350 has plenty to offer.

In terms of design, this Samsung DVR bears the definite Samsung mark of style, with a glossy piano black shell and glowing blue power button that sits to the left of the unit’s DVD recorder tray.

The LCD display panel is located above the main function buttons. They’re all fairly small and not very well labelled, so it is best to get acquainted with them before a recording emergency – say, you lose the remote control.

The DVD-HR755 is relatively tame in features compared to other Samsung DVR models on the market. It is a single analog tuner DVD recorder with a 250 GB internal hard drive. This translated to about 64 to 421 hours of recording time, depending on the recording mode you choose. This Samsung DVR also supports all current single layer DVD formats and can record up to six hours to optical disc, depending on the quality preferences.

The DVD-HR755 will also play back all standard commercial DVDs as well as DivX material written to CD or DVD media. It also has an HDMI cable input among other connections.

When looking for a DVR PCI card, there are a few things to consider before purchasing. Firstly, determine whether the installed memory in the DVR PCI card is large enough to give you crisp video displays. Anything below 64 MB is generally deemed low quality while 128 MB sizes and higher is considered more suitable for DVR systems.

A DVR PCI card’s data width is also another key measure of its quality. The data width determines the colour spectrum that the card can provide. Look for a DVR PCI card that comes with at least 256-bit or 512-bit data width if you’ll be using heavy graphic applications. However, for most general applications, anything from 64-bit up to 128-bit would suffice.

The stand-alone DVR and the 4 Channel DVR are two examples of DVR players on the market. Which is better? What are the advantages of each? We explore.

Purpose: A stand alone DVR resembles an upstanding media player in one unit. You simply connect the device to your TV to use it. Alternatively, a 4 channel DVR is a more advanced recording device because you can connect it to your computer or laptop along with other peripherals such as a mouse or web cam. Because of their security features, DVRs are popular as surveillance systems and tend to come in pricier models as a result.

Function: Both the stand alone DVR and the 4 channel DVR can be programmed to record the TV shows you choose. The 4 channel DVR is mostly used for home security systems such as motion detection.

Storage: The 4 channel DVR has the upper hand in terms of storage capacity. The storage capacity of a stand alone DVR, although large, fails in comparison with the 4 Channel. A stand alone DVR may lack the security features, but its recording and playback capabilities are up to par. If you’re not hell bent on setting up a security system, the stand alone DVR will be more that satisfactory.

Rapidly advancing technology has meant that today’s DVR systems are low cost and low maintenance for basic video surveillance systems. Recent DVR models offer multiple channel options – 4, 9, 16, 32 and more, depending on your needs and budget. If a CD, DVD or Blu-ray writer is integrated into a DVR system there is no need for faulty and old-fashioned VHS tapes. Security DVR systems can be purchased in the 300GB to 500 GB storage capacity range, with higher and more robust models being released on a weekly basis.

Another awesome feature of security DVR systems is that some can be remotely programmed via the internet or a local computer. As always, you can view one camera, loop through various cameras, watch a split screen and record any or all of those images. To get the most out of your DVR system, you should take some extra time to compare the different models on offer.

Moreover, this Philips TiVo-compatible set top unit has a stylish design well above its competitors. It’s a stylish, smart-looking silver unit with mirror stripes highlighting the front panel. Its modest dimensions – 15 inches width x 12 inches depth x 3.25 inches height – are generally the same as any other DirecTV receiver, except with a considerably more attractive console.

This unit has a sparse front panel with only a few buttons, but you’ll use the remote that comes standard with most other TiVo units. This Philips TiVo has an impressive DVR function remote control that makes it a breeze to navigate the hundreds of channels in the electronic program guide (EPG) menu. You can even program the remote to work with any brand of TV, therefore streamlining your home entertainment experience into one control.

Unfortunately, most cable TV providers will require an additional monthly fee to use this Philips TiVo unit, and the dual-tuner function requires a second satellite line. It is impressive technology but will probably only suit keen cable subscribers.

There is no need for a digital cable box with the Sony DHG-HDD250, as it has a built in CableCard slot and the ability to record both standard and high def channels. Unlike the ordinary cable box, this Sony DVR include an over-the-air HD tuner so you can receive and record your local digital and high def stations that can’t be recorded on an ordinary cable system. Both models include roomy hard drives – the HDD500 can store 60 hours of high def content or 400 hours of standard def, whereas the HDD250 holds 30 hours of high def and 200 hours of standard.

The DHG-HDD250 is also a leading Sony DVR due to the fact it has a free on-screen EPG TV guide, unlike TiVo’s service that has a monthly charge. Unfortunately, there are still some issues with this Sony DVR as some of the US cable companies will offer high def DVRs for a few bucks more than a regular cable box. At US $800 for the Sony DHG-HDD250, this high-performing machine is still a bit lush for most modest households.