The Philips DVDR3455H combines the versatility of a DVD recorder and player with the utility of a basic digital video recorder (DVR). In addition to recording your favorite TV shows to disc, the DVR hard drive can hold up to 200 hours of programming at the lowest quality setting. Keep in mind, however, that the DVDR3455H won't record content from disc to hard drive, so if you desire a component to serve as a go-between for disc-to-disc copying, keep looking.

The DVDR3455H's 160GB hard drive can store 80 hours of TV programs at the SP (standard play) setting, and it enables a number of basic TiVo-like features including instant replay. In addition, the live TV buffer lets you pause a program you are watching and resume play when you get off the phone or return with a snack. You can also transfer content from the hard drive to DVD for long-term archiving.

On the other hand, the DVDR3455H lacks more advanced TiVo-like features such as program searches, and it doesn't include an electronic programming guide (EPG). Instead, this unit utilizes the VCR Plus+ system, so it is no more difficult to operate than your old VCR but lacks some of the technological zing of other modern DVRs.

On the DVD side, the DVDR3455H proves to be a capable recorder and player. It can record to DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW, and it plays back these formats as well. This unit is also compatible with DVD-Video, CD and CD-R/RW, including discs packed with MP3, WMA, DivX and JPEG files.

If you want advanced features, this is not the product for you. However, for a capable DVD recorder with useful but basic DVR functions, the Philips DVDR3455H is a functional option.


Pros:  Stores up to 200 hours of programming in addition to DVD recorder functions
Cons:  Cannot record from disc to hard drive, no EPG, basic DVR features

Warranty
1 year parts and labor