The Toshiba D-R5 combines HDMI up-conversion and a variety of recording and playback functions in a DVD recorder priced at less than $200. The performance is merely good, but the collection of features makes this DVD recorder an excellent value.

The D-R5 is a simple unit to configure and operate, although disc loading is unusually slow. Once up and running, however, the D-R5 records to DVD-R/RW and DVD-RAM, but not DVD+R/RW or Dual Layer (DL) media. Using DVD-RAM enables you to access DVR-like features such as pausing live TV, and the Timeslip function lets you watch the start of a recorded show while the rest continues to be recorded. Of course, the D-R5 is compatible with CD, CD-R/RW and discs loaded with MP3, WMA and JPEG files. The D-R5 is also DivX home theater-certified, which means you can watch video footage downloaded from the Internet in DivX, AVI or MPEG4 format.

When connected to a compatible TV via the HDMI output, the D-R5 up-converts standard-resolution DVD to display at 720p or 1,080i. Keep in mind that while this provides the same number of horizontal resolution lines as an HD broadcast, up-conversion does not add any details not originally found on the DVD. If your set has a high-enough resolution but lacks an HDMI input, you can use the D-R5's component video output to watch at the progressive scan level of 480p.

With a number of premium features at a budget price, the Toshiba D-R5 proves to be a very good value for a DVD recorder.


Pros:  Easy to set up and use, HDMI up-conversion, plays DivX and AVI files
Cons:  Slow loading times, average video performance

Warranty
90 days labor, 1 year parts