Typical price: £300
What is it: A hard drive & DVD recorder
What we think: Toshiba's RD-XS34 is at the forefront of the recording world. Not only does it manage to pack in every feature imaginable, it makes it all fairly easy to use. The new 160GB hard drive offers 80 hours of good quality footage as well
What you need to know
Reviewed on: 14 May 2005
Tags: toshiba, ram, sky, recordings
We like:
Slim build, massive hard drive, wide format support, ease of use, list of features
We don't like:
Could do with Freeview integration, no DVD+R support, no DivX playback
You might also need:
RGB Scart Cable, Component Cable, Aerial
CNET.co.uk judgement:
Toshiba's previous model, the RD-XS32, set the template for the combined DVD/HDD recorder. Now, with a bigger hard drive and enhanced editing facilities, the RD-XS34 is the power user's recorder of choice. If it had Freeview integrated into the box it would be approaching perfection, but the hard drive size, ease of editing/recording, and image quality mean this should be at the centre of your AV setup
Toshiba RD-XS34 History
5 Jan 2006 in Crave
The Tosh has launched an even cooler DVD player and recorder -- which among many improvements allows you to email instructions to record your favourite programme if you forget. Cooooool
20 Oct 2005 in Crave
Samsung DVD-HD850: DVD upscaler
Samsung's DVD-850 is no ordinary DVD player -- it will 'upscale' your DVD movies to high-definition resolutions. It's the perfect accompaniment to a flat screen or projector, and best of all, it costs less than £100. Bargain-tastic!
23 Jun 2005 in Crave
Toshiba HD DVD & RD-XS64: Hi-Def here we come
Crave finds out what Toshiba has in store for us over the next year and comes back with info on high-spec HD TVs, upscaling DVD players, and the brand new version of the RD-XS34 HDD Recorder
14 May 2005 in Reviews
DVD recorders with bonus features
Last year it was all about DVD recorders, this year the more advanced hard drive combis are winning favour. These units will change the way you watch television
Latest user reviews
Do you own this product? What do you think of it?
Tell us what you think
Can't find the product you're looking for? Want to suggest a product for review?
Special Offers from our Sponsors
Latest DVD or PVR Reviews
Philips HTS6515
£300 buys you a very competent upscaling DVD player, with 2.1 speaker system that can produce a crisp, clear and very likeable sound
Pioneer BDP-LX71
The LX71 is a great Blu-ray player, despite a slow loading speed for interactive discs and the high price
Samsung BD-P1500
The design is pleasant, performance is good, features are impressive and the price is right
Panasonic DMP-BD35
A great little box that proves Panasonic is at the forefront of stand-alone Blu-ray players
on DVD & PVR
Hands on: Oregon Scientific ATC3K Extreme hands-free camera
If you're the type of person who shouts "Gnarly!" at the top of your voice, you might want to check out the Oregon Scientific ATC3K Extreme hands-free camcorder
More:
Do More with your Technology
- Christmas Gifts
- Gear Envy: iRiver Lplayer
- Gear Envy: Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ81 (freesat)
- Gear Envy: Apple iPhone 3G
- Gear Envy: Canon EOS 1000D
- Gear Envy: Samsung Tocco
Special Feature
High Definition TV
Want to find out more about high-definition TV? Let CNET.co.uk's TV expert Ian Morris fill you in on everything you need to know...






