DVD recorders are one of the hottest products available today. With several advanced options and high reliability, DVD recorders are slowly replacing VCRs and CD recorders in most homes. DVD recorders have also become very affordable, which makes them all the more appealing.

DVDs are increasingly replacing CDs and tapes, which were the most popular recoding media. This is because of their high recording capacities, flexibility and dependability. DVD recorders are basically of four types: straight DVD recorders, DVD recorders with built-in hard drives, DVD recorders built into hard-disk digital video recorders, and combination DVD/VHS recorders.

There are many popular brands of DVD recorders available today. Some of the top brands are JVC, Sony, LG, Philips, Panasonic, Toshiba, and Pioneer. There are also products from Alba, Mustek, Lite-ON, Bush, GOODMANS, Samsung and others. The most important aspects to be considered while comparing these recorders are the brand, the price, the applications and the audio-video connections. From the products point of view, some of the important considerations are the recording time, recording capabilities, disk space and storage capacities, the compatibility with recording formats (DVD-R,DVD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD+R DL and DVD-RAM), and advanced options such as on-disc editing (available with DVD-RAM recorders), simultaneous recording and playing, progressive scan output for playback, video processing for enhancing image quality, flexibility in recording and playing, built-in tuners compatible with antenna, cable or satellite boxes, S-video, DV (iLink, Firewire) video inputs, VHS recording and playback.

The price is a very good place to start for comparing various brands of DVD recorders. Some basic models start at $300. There are also cheaper models for less than $150, but their quality is questionable. Some brands may be priced as high as $2,000, depending on the options available.

The Internet has several sites for locating many different brands of DVD recorders. Prices can also be compared online. Reviews posted by other buyers can be read online before making a decision.