A DVR That Does More

If you're looking to progress beyond a VCR, the Pioneer DVR-320-S is a solid choice.

This DVD recorder supports DVD-Video, DVD-R/W, CD, VCD, CD-R/W, MP3, WMA, and JPEG playback. It also incorporates some talents from the realm of digital video recorders. Chase Play mode lets you start watching a show that's already being recorded--so the end of CSI doesn't get ruined when you arrive home at 9:45. You can also watch a previously recorded program while recording another show, if the disc has room for the new program.

Scheduling was a cinch. I was able to schedule up to 32 programs at a time, a month in advance. Auto Record mode, which records at the highest quality that will fit on a disc, is especially convenient.

Other attractive features let you copy movies direct from a DV camera and edit recordings--terrific for removing annoying commercials.

All great, but why spend $350 on this type of device? If you use TiVo, a DVD recorder is extraneous. That leaves people who want to record at higher quality than a VCR permits, archive shows or home movies, or watch recorded videos on another DVD player or a laptop. If that's you, the DVR-320-S is a good choice.