DVD recorders are devices that record data onto a DVD. DVDs are becoming a very good option for storing data because of their high storage capacities, reliability, cost and flexibility. DVD recorders have already replaced VCRs and CD recorders in most homes.

DVD recorders are ideal for storing all kinds of data including movies, TV shows and home videos. The recording quality is also much better than that from CDs or tapes. DVDs are mostly compatible with most recording formats including DVD-audio, CD-audio, DVD-R (write-once), DVD- RW (re-writable format of DVD-R), DVD+R (write once), DVD+RW (re-writable format of DVD+R) and DVD-RAM (re-writable with random access capability). With attractive options such as surround sound, progressive scan, recording options in DVD as well as VHS modes, twin recording formats (allows recording of two different programs on different channels simultaneously), and live TV pausing, DVD players are becoming a favorite with most people.

There are also DVD-VCR combos, which are ideal for playing both DVDs as well as VHS tapes. They also enable copying of home recordings from camcorder tapes or television recordings. Some of the top DVD-VCR combos are: the JVC DR-MX1S DVD/VCR/Hard Drive Recorder Combo, the LG LRY-517 Super-Multi DVD Recorder/VCR Combo, the Panasonic DMR-ES40VS DVD Recorder - VCR Combination, the Pioneer DVR-RT500 DVD Recorder/VHS VCR Combination, the Panasonic PV-DR2714 DVD Recorder/VCR/TV Combo, the Panasonic DMR-ES30VS DVD Recorder VCR Combination and the Sony RDR-VX500 DVD Recorder/VCR Combo. Samsung and Toshiba are some of the other manufacturers of this product.

Most of these DVD-VCR combos also have other advanced features, such as an 80GB or 160 GB hard drive, analog and Firewire AV inputs, video processing for enhancing image quality, flexibility in recording and playing, ability to record in all formats (DVD-R/DVD-RW/DVD+R/DVD+RW/DVD+R DL and DVD-RAM), built-in tuners compatible with antenna, cable or satellite boxes, S-video, DV (iLink, Firewire) video inputs, VHS recording and playback, and most importantly, progressive scan output for playback. Prices of these DVD recorder-VCR combos start from $200, but those with very good quality and more options have a minimum price tag of $300.