The Philips HDRW720 is an impressive machine that operates as a DVD recorder and progressive scan DVD player, as well as a digital video recorder.

The unit features a 120GB hard drive that can hold up to 192 hours of programming. While watching TV, programs are automatically stored to the unit's 6-hour hard drive buffer, enabling TiVo-like controls such as the pausing of live TV and the instant replay of a particular piece of action or missed dialog. A program can even be watched from the beginning while the end is still being recorded.

Buffered content can be retrieved and viewed again, deleted, transferred to the recorder's hard drive, or transferred to DVD for long-term storage. The HDRW720 records to DVD+R/RW that can hold up to 8 hours of content per side at the lowest quality level.

Set-up is surprisingly straightforward. The unit's channel and timer memory will be preserved for up to a year without power, while the clock setting will remain for 12 hours, so there's no need to reset the unit in the event of a brief power interruption.

The HDRW720 offers an onscreen electronic program guide and VCR Plus+ programming so it can be used like a VCR, making one-touch recordings of favorite TV shows.

As a DVD player, the HDRW720 has progressive scan output and excellent disc compatibility. As well as playing back DVD+R/RW, the player can handle DVD-Video, DVD-R/RW, VCD, and SVCD, as well as audio formats such as CD-R/RW and MP3-encoded discs.

The HDRW720 offers plenty of connectivity options. Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound signals can be routed directly to a full-featured receiver via the digital audio outputs. The unit's front-panel digital video connection also enables the connection of a compatible camcorder for the transfer of home movie footage to hard drive or DVD.

The Philips HDRW720 is an impressive multifunction DVR, DVD recorder, and DVD player, all rolled up into one attractive unit.

Warranty
1 year