The sleek Toshiba RD-XS55 is a multifunctional device that combines a DVD recorder/player with a DVR packing an enormous 250GB hard drive. This provides sufficient storage capacity to hold a maximum of 220 hours of your favorite TV shows. This unit is loaded with features, but the high suggested price and difficult operation take away some of the RD-XS55's luster.

The RD-XS55 offers DVD up-conversion via its HDMI digital-to-digital output. This enables you to upscale standard DVD movies to display at 720p or 1,080i for smoother, higher-quality video images. The RD-XS55 also sports the Toshiba Network NAVI system, so you can link the unit to a home network via an Ethernet port. Once connected, you can stream content to a PC and use an internet connection to schedule recordings remotely. You'll never miss a favorite show again, and you can even watch your recordings while on the go, with the help of a laptop or compatible handheld device.

For the most part, the RD-XS55's DVR function performs well. This is not the most straightforward device to operate, however. Even if you didn't need to read the operating instructions for your other home entertainment equipment, we're betting the RD-XS55 will sooner or later have you frantically scanning the manual. The menu system is anything but intuitive. The TV Guide channel provides the electronic program guide (EPG), and navigating the listings is time-consuming compared to other EPG systems. The included universal remote is similarly confusing to operate. On the other hand, the RD-XS55's G-Link port does make it easy to connect the DVR to a satellite or cable box.

Once you've mastered the RD-XS55, you'll appreciate the typical DVR time-slip features like pausing live TV and recording one show while watching another. The unit also offers a handy commercial skip function. If you manage to fill the unit's hard drive, the RD-XS55 has one-touch transferring of recorded material to DVD. The DVR records to DVD-RAM and DVD-R/RW, although it sometimes struggles to read certain brands of DVD-R.

Even if you are technically adept and the complexity doesn't frighten you, the suggested $700 price tag may prove to be a powerful deterrent. Price aside, the Toshiba RD-XS55 is a good-looking combination machine, but we can't recommend it to novice users.


Pros:  Combines a DVR with a DVD recorder/player, huge 250GB hard drive, HDMI up-conversion of DVD
Cons:  Complex machine to operate, awkward TV Guide EPG

Warranty
90 days, labor; 1 year, parts