The holidays are right around the corner, and now is the time to post my top picks for Digital Video Recording gifts. The products I've included in my top picks include some higher end items, as well as some more affordable offerings, and all the gifts are sure to appeal to a wide array of interests. From Digital Video Recorders to DVD Recorders to TV Tuner Cards and Media Center PCs, my top Digital Video Recording gifts are sure to please just about any friend or family member this holiday season.
1. TiVo HD Digital Video Recorder
The ultimate gift for those who love to record and watch TV. The TiVo HD DVR includes dual-tuners and is capable of recording 20 hours of HD programming or 180 hours of standard def shows. With dual-tuners, the new TiVo HD lets you record two shows at once, watch one show while recording another, or record two programs while watching a previously recorded third program. Utilizes Cable TV CableCards, so no Cable Box is necessary. Works with Cable or Over-the-Air TV, but not Satellite. Sure to make everyone smile this holiday season.
2. Roxio Easy Media Creator 10 Suite
A great, all-in-one, cost-effective solution for disc burning, media management and home video hobbyists. Roxio, a company that has made a name for itself as a creator of easy-to-use, powerful, and popular CD and DVD burning software, takes a big step forward with Easy Media Creator 10. This is an all-inclusive suite, which offers CD and DVD burning, photo editing, video editing, sound manipulation and DVD authoring in an integrated, affordable and easy-to-use package. A great gift item for those who want an all-in-one media suite of software.3. ADS Tech DVDXpress DX2 Video Capture Device
The DVDXpress DX2 is ADS Tech's latest Video Capture Device for capturing analog video from any source. The DX2 includes S-Video and composite RCA video inputs, and composite RCA audio inputs. It outputs the video signal to your computer via a fast USB 2.0 connection. Using the included video capture software, the video and audio is captured to your computer's hard drive, or direct to disc. A good product for what it is, a way to capture and edit old analog VHS or camcorder footage on your PC.4. Philips DVDR3575H/37 DVD Recorder
The Philips DVDR3575H/37 DVD Recorder is one of the few new DVD Recorders that includes an ATSC Tuner as well as a Built-in Hard Drive. The Philips recorder can tune Over-the-Air digital broadcasts, including HD broadcasts and record them to either DVD disc or the built-in 160GB hard drive. Those HD recordings can then be upscaled in full 1080p to a compatible 1080p HDTV. This DVD Recorder with Built-in Hard Drive can Pause Live TV, but does not have an Electronic Programming Guide and includes one tuner. Recordings must be programmed manually like a VCR, and only one show can be recorded at a time. The plus, no monthly fees for the Philips DVDR3575H/37 DVD Recorder.5. Sony RDR-GXD455 DVD Recorder with HD Tuner
This Sony DVD Recorder supports Dual-Layer discs as well as single-layer discs. The RDR-GXD455 can record to DVD+R/RW and DVD-R/RW discs, as well as 8.5GB DVD+R Dual-Layer discs for longer recording times. Includes a Firewire input for recording from digital camcorders. Built-in HDTV Tuner (ATSC/NTSC/QAM Tuner) allows recording of standard definition or high definition programming, plus HDMI Output with 1080i upscaling of DVD Media. A great gift for those looking to record HD or Digital Video to DVD.6. 80-hr TiVo Series2 DT Digital Video Recorder
TiVo shows up again on this list with the 80-hr TiVo Series2 DT Digital Video Recorder. An affordable TiVo box with dual tuners, record one show while watching another or record two shows simultaneously. Record from two basic cable channels, or one basic cable and one digital cable channel, at once. Does not support recording from two digital cable or satellite channels at once. Supports recording from cable and satellite sources only; does not support recording from over-the-air antenna or high definition. The most affordable TiVo for non-HD programming and Satellite subscribers.7. Toshiba Qosmio G45 Multimedia Notebook
The Toshiba Qosmio G45 Notebook is billed as the "digital entertainment showcase notebook." With an external HDTV Tuner, it is an incredible notebook PC that includes dual hard drives for 320GB of recording space and 2GB of memory. Record Over-The-Air HDTV, and burn to dual-layer DVD. Includes an HD DVD-ROM Drive for watching new HD DVD movies. Includes the Microsoft Windows Vista Ultimate OS for managing all your digital media. An amazing notebook that is very expensive, but also an amazing gift for someone this holiday season.8. Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-150 TV Tuner Card
Watch and record TV on your PC, digitally record your TV shows, or pause live TV and create your own instant replay, just like a TiVo. Record TV programs or home videos to your hard drive, play them back on your PC or burn them onto DVD. WinTV-PVR includes WinTV-Scheduler, control your TV recordings on a daily, weekly or random schedule. Automatically record your favorite programs so you'll never miss your favorite TV shows. A great gift for someone looking to turn their PC into a Digital Video Recorder.