The Humax DRT800 is a combination DVD recorder and TiVo Series 2 DVR with a hard drive twice the size of its sibling unit, the DRT400. The DRT800 looks almost identical to the DRT400, with an uninspiring, clunky design. What it lacks in sparkling looks, though, it makes up for in features. As well as the ability to pause live TV for up to 30 minutes, to fast-forward through commercials and instantly replay any missed action, the DRT800 offers advanced TiVo features such as WishList, Season Pass and Multi-Room viewing. This Humax DVR features two USB 1.1 ports for connecting the unit to your home network for updating the EPG and taking advantage of some of the advanced TiVo features. However, during initial set up you'll need to hook up the DRT400 to a standard phone line, which could be a problem for those who've discarded their land lines for cell phones or voice over IP.

Once connected to your network, you can take advantage TiVo functions such as online scheduling. If you're working late or stuck in traffic, you can connect to the TiVo website and remotely program your DVR to record any shows you might otherwise miss. Similarly, connecting the DVR to your home network let's you send recorded shows from the DRT800 to your PC or laptop so you can watch your favorite shows while on the go.

In addition to the DVR functions, the HRT800 also incorporates a DVD recorder and player. This provides a convenient means to transfer your recordings to DVD-R or DVD--RW format disc for long term archiving. Since there are no editing features on the DRT800, though, you cannot remove commercials before transferring to disc or use the unit to edit home movies.

The Humax DRT800 offers a maximum storage capacity of up to 80 hours. At the default High picture quality setting, though, the unit can hold 27 hours of programming. This delivers a solid image quality whereas lower picture settings tend to offer poor resolution more akin to VHS quality. This DVR is also unable to record in HD or with 5.1 channel surround sound. Like the DRT400, the DRT800 requires a subscription to the full TiVo service.

Retailing at about $100 more than the DRT400, the Humax DRT800 offers double the storage capacity as well as the same excellent TiVo functions and a functional DVD recorder.

Pros: Multifunction DVR, DVD recorder, DVD player, advanced TiVo features and excellent EPG, double the storage capacity over the DRT400
Cons: No PIP, no editing features

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