The Humax DRT400 is essentially a TiVo Series 2 DVR combined with a DVD recorder. The DRT400 features a maximum 40 hour hard disk drive storage capacity and can also record to DVD-R and DVD-RW format discs. Of course, you'll need to subscribe to the full TiVo service to enjoy the advanced features of this DVR.

Since the Humax DRT400 lacks a dual tuner, it is not possible to record two different shows at the same time as with other Series 2 units. The unit does, however, offer all the other TiVo options such as the ability to pause live TV for up to 30 minutes, to fast-forward through commercials and rewind the action to catch a snippet of missed dialogue or to instantly replay a scene or sporting moment. The DRT400 also uses the TiVo interface for DVR and DVD recording, which makes for impressive ease of use. The TiVo electronic programming guide offers a 14 day real time guide for antenna, cable and satellite programming and navigating the EPG couldn't be simpler.

The advanced TiVo features include Season Pass that lets you automatically record every episode of a program whenever it is broadcast and WishList where you can search and record shows according to actor, director or genre. Households with two or more compatible TiVo units can utilize the Multi-Room Viewing function. This lets you access recorded material from any other TiVo in the home. For example, you can start watching a recorded show on a TiVo in the living room, then transfer the unviewed material to a second unit in the bedroom and finish watching the recording there. Once connected to your wired or wireless network, the DRT400 lets you schedule recordings even when you're not at home by simply accessing the TiVo web site.

Where the DRT400 falls short is in the storage capacity. While 40 hours may sound like plenty of programming for all but the most ardent of TV fans, the DRT400 can only store that much programming in Basic picture quality setting. The low resolution of that setting reminded us of recordings made on an old VCR. At the High or Best settings the unit can hold only 13 or six hours of programming, respectively. There is also no option to record HD or 5.1 channel surround sound. Of course, the DRT400 can also record to DVD, although there are no editing functions so recordings can only be transferred as is. The Humax DRT400 offers all the convenience and features of a TiVo DVR coupled with a DVD recorder for long term archiving.

Pros: Multifunction DVR, DVD recorder, DVD player, advanced TiVo features and excellent EPG
Cons: No PIP, only 13 hours storage capacity at High picture quality setting, no editing function

Warranty
90 days, labor; 1 year, parts & labor