Strengths: 160GB hard drive. PLENTY of storage. Built in NTSC and high def tuner.

Weaknesses: Poor remote. Insanely bad on-screen interface.

Summary: I got this because I'm with the world's worst cable company - they don't offer DVRs, and until two weeks ago had no arrangement with Tivo. As a DVR, it pretty much tanks - very bad interface for scheduling recordings, no interface with available program info, and stored recordings don't have a title (and I can't figure out how to enter a title). Makes it pretty hard to know what's there without previewing each recording. Major hassle. The DVD recorder is fine. The built-in HD tuner is okay, but a couple of big steps below my TV's built-in tuner for sure. Shows recorded in HD are fine - as good as the tuner lets them be. If you can get a Tivo or cable DVR, do it. If not, this will work in a pinch - just be prepared for a learning curve.

Strengths: Can pause live TV - without having to pay for TIVO subscription

Weaknesses: None so far

Summary: I absolutely love the Philips DVD/HDD recorder. It combines the ability to record on both recordable DVD media, as well as the built-in hard drive. It also allows programs that are recorded on the hard drive to later be burned to DVD media for permanent storage. I also love the Pause Live TV feature, which allows me to record a live broadcast in realtime, so that I can step away from the TV and pick up at any time, without missing any of the program. I really have nothing bad to say about this player. It's exactly what I've been looking for. And with the Philips name behind it, I know I'm going to be happy with this for years to come.

Strengths: Hard disk, front USB.

Weaknesses: Remote might have been better, no "one-touch" recording. Pricy.

Summary: If you want to buy a hard disk based DVD recorder, without paying service fees, this is one of the rare ones you can buy. It works as advertised, but it has some problems. I put all my music in an SD card and use a USB reader to play them on this. However, every time, I need to go to the menu to select "random play" (it does not keep the setting). Also there is no one-touch recording. When I want to record something I like, I have to press more than one button to have it record. I had no problems with recording though, and it can record while you are watching recorded programs.The remote could have been better. Its two ends look very similar, and sometimes I accidentally hold it in the backward direction (never had a similar problem with other remotes). I have to look the labels every time I want to press "Setup" or "Menu" buttons.

Strengths: I find that it does an excellent job of recording digital TV and analog TV programs from my roof top antenna.

Weaknesses: There is a bit of a time lag when switching from digital TV to analog TV. This inconvenience will soon disappear, when analog TV is removed from the airway.

Summary: I am able to appreciate the improvement over VCR recorded material, as I own a digital HD TV and have connected the DVDR3575 Recorder by way of the HDMI connection with Progressive scan. There is very little difference between a recording made in HQ mode and the actual broadcast, even when the original was being transmitted in HD.

Strengths: Everything about it

Weaknesses: Can't find codes for universal remote

Summary: This is an awesome machine. I am not willing to pay the fees for Tivo and I need something to record my shows and a VCR was just simply out of the question for obvious reasons. I thought of getting a DVD recorder but once again, you have the issue of the added expense of buying the media to record on. Most of my recording is just the weekly primetime shows and nothing I have any desire to watch more than once so the ability to just delete it is the best option for me. Of course with this unit you have the option to burn anything to DVD if it is something you want to keep. It also has up-converting technology which makes watching DVDs as close to HD as you can get without an HD player. I just LOVE it! I am fascinated by technology but unfortunately know little about it, so to make up for my lack of knowledge I do very extensive online research when I am going to make a purchase like this. What matters most to me is the user reviews. I want to know how someone just like me likes their unit and what their experiences are. This one gets glowing reviews! I found an AV site with a message board thread specifically about this particular unit and the guys there really know their stuff. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=940657) Honestly I was amazed by the amount of knowledge and helpfulness. If you are considering this unit, check out this thread. You will not be disappointed! Only drawback that I have found to date is that I can not find universal remote codes for this unit. The codes for Philips DVD player OR DVD recorder do not apply to this. My TV is an Olevia and IT doesn't have codes either so I bought a learning remote. Turns out the lack of codes is really no big deal anymore for me BUT for someone who already has a universal that they spent a lot of money on they may want to know ahead of time that finding a code might not be so easy.

Strengths: 160 GB Hard Drive stores more hours of TV programming than I can watch, ATSC tuner brings in over the air signals better than my antenna.

Weaknesses: Remote takes a little time to figure out but once you learn to do the things that i am interested in - it hasn't been an issue

Summary: I bought this DVR because of the 160 GB hard drive and it does everything that I was looking for. Its great to record a program or movie and then skip over the commercials or pause it when the phone rings. I use an antenna and with the ATSC tuner, I can now watch digital broadcasts which gives me a much beter picture than my antenna does.

Strengths: Records TV programming to DVD or built-in 160GB hard drive; ATSC tuner for receiving digital broadcasts; HDMI output upconverts to 1080p; plays photos and MP3s from USB drives.

Weaknesses: No electronic programming guide(EPG) or IR blaster(i.e. the ability to control a cable or satellite box); no battery backup in case of power failure.

Summary: About the only dvr left on the market with a built-in hard drive. There is plenty of storage space(160GB) to record movies and sporting events, and you can then edit out the stuff you don't want and record it to a DVD if you want to save it. You can also record to the HDD while watching a DVD. Has the ability to pause live TV like a TiVo. Has a digital tuner, so its ready to go for the 2009 changeover. Overall, its a great machine and I would buy it again.