Sony Handycam DCR-VX2100 Mini DV Digital Camcorder
30 Stores $1,126 - $3,000
DVR Buying Guide
Tired of television controlling your schedule? A DVR will put you in charge of when you watch what you watch, because the technology allows you to record TV shows. The new king of home video recording, DVRs, or digital video recorders, record television programs in a digital format. Also known as PVRs, or personal video recorders, DVRs are personal program directors that give you surprising flexibility in how you record television and, in some cases, allow you to take your favorite shows with you wherever you go. Pronto’s DVR Buying Guide can help you decide which DVR is best for you.
More »
the five
What are the five key points I need to look at?
Upgrade to DVR
VCRs are obsolete. DVRs let you record more programming and include time-slip functions such as pausing and rewinding live television programs.
How much DVR?
For occasional recording, a DVR that can store 40 hours of programming is a good choice. If you want to save what you record, look for a DVR with a built-in DVD burner.
Get a free DVR
Your cable or satellite company will let you rent a basic DVR for $5 to $10 a month, but over three or more years, you’ll save by buying a DVR with a free programming service.
TV on the go
DVRs allow you to transfer copyright-free programs to your PC, laptop, or portable video player, so you can watch your favorite programs anywhere.
Avoid HD DVR
Because of lingering questions about high-definition broadcast and DVD formats, it’s best to wait a while before buying an HD DVR.
pronto pick
What product do we recommend?
Got cable or off-air programming to record? The TiVo TCD652160 HD Digital Video Recorder offers dual ATSC tuners, allowing you to record two high-definition sources at once and replace your cable box. The roomy 160GB hard drive holds 180 hours of standard TV or 20 hours of HDTV. You’ll need monthly TiVo service to make this DVR work, and this model will not work with satellite services.
experts say
Home Theater Magazine—“The Panasonic DMR-E95H strikes a good balance between logical, easy use and flexible, enhanced functionality, not sacrificing too much of one for the sake of the other. If you want more control over the content you're recording and archiving, you'll appreciate everything that this device can do.” Source: Home Theater Magazine
PC WORLD—“If you don't require an electronic programming guide, Pioneer's DVR-640HS is probably what you're looking for. The machine offers high-quality recordings, superior ease of use, and a boatload of features.” Source: PC World Magazine
CNET—“The Dish Network ViP622 is the most fully featured, versatile, and future-ready high-def DVR you can buy today.” Source: CNET
Wallet Impact
What can I expect in my price range?
| Price | Description | Good Pick (see all DVR Recorders) |
| $ | Budget models offer more features than the free or low monthly fee units from cable or satellite providers. Purchasing a standalone unit pays for itself within 3-5 years. For less than $200 you’ll get hard drives up to 160GB and PC and composite video connections for the flexibility. |
Compare prices at 2 stores $29 - $150 |
| $$ | From $300 to $500, you’ll find DVRs with a good amount of hard drive space and built-in DVD burners and VCRs. These DVRs are ideal for those who want to keep some or all of the things they record. HD DVRs are also available in the middle of this price range, but spending more will get you more storage. Look for dual ATSC or cable tuners at the higher end, and don’t forget to include a monthly TiVo subscription if you’re using one of their DVRs. | |
| $$$ | At $750 and up, you’ll get more space for recording and a built-in DVD burner. The newest models offer Blu-ray and HD DVD burners as well as dual ATSC tuners, dual CableCard slots (for connecting cable), and HDMI ports. What you’re really paying for is storage capacity, and these DVRs are a must for sports fans who want hours of HDTV broadcasts. | |
shop talk
What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?
ATSC
A television tuner that receives digital and HDTV broadcasts.
Blu-ray
One of two competing high-definition DVD formats (the other format is HD DVD). Blu-ray was developed by Sony and hold up to 25GB of information on a disc surface.
DVR
Digital Video Recorder, a device that uses a hard drive to store broadcast programming.
Ethernet
A high-speed connection between a PC and another device.
Hard Drive
The storage center of a DVR. Hard drives are measured in gigabytes, and larger hard drives can store more hours of programming.
HDMI
High Definition Multimedia Input is a new standard for connecting HD components. It’s single, bundled cable allows more data to be transferred than other connection methods.
HD DVD
One of two competing high-definition DVD formats (the other format is Blu-ray by Sony). An HD DVD can store up to 15 hours of content on a disc surface.
NTSC
A television tuner that receives standard analog broadcasts. This technology will be phased out of the United States by the end of 2009.
PVR
Personal Video Recorder, another name sometimes given to DVRs.
Programming Hours
The amount of recorded programming that a DVR can store. Note that DVRs with high-definition capability can store more hours of standard-definition programming than high-definition shows.
TiVo
A manufacturer of DVRs, TiVo also supplies a monthly program guide service noted for its ease of use and features.
USB
Universal Serial Bus is a standard connection between a PC and other devices. USB allows power and data to move between the PC and the device, but it’s slower than an Ethernet connection.
VGA
Video Graphic Adaptor is a port that allows a PC to be connected to a monitor or television.
guide tools
top brands
Camcorders & Security Cameras
Research Central
We've compiled this group of information links to help you further your research