Digital Trends

More than eight years ago, DVD (called Digital Versatile Disc at the time) burst onto the scene and offered the best quality audio and video images available, all on a new shiny 5-inch disc that looked like a CD.  It was predicted that it would replace the aging VCR in just a few short years.  However, at that time it was perceived by some to have one serious or fatal flaw:  it could not record.  In the beginning, this was viewed as the format's possible Achilles' heel.  No recording ability was thought to be the death knell of any video format.  Well, times have changed and DVD recorders are finally starting to make inroads with consumers.  Philips, the leading proponent of the DVD+RW format, has come up with a terrific recorder; it includes an integrated personal video recorder with an easy-to-use on-screen guide that makes recording your favorite show a snap.