DVD recorders have made large advancements recently in gaining acceptance as a replacement for the ubiquitous VCR. DVD recorders offer a variety of advantages over typical VHS tapes, including significantly higher storage, faster access times (particularly helpful when skipping forward in a recorded program), improved visual and sound capabilities (including the ability to record in 5.1 surround sound), and more compact disks.

Generally, all DVD recorders function in the same way - they use a high wavelength laser to burn data (TV program recordings, as well as other video sources such as VCRs) to the disk. Despite this, there are a variety of key features that anyone considering buying a DVD recorder should look into before deciding which DVD recorder is the right choice. These include:

- Upscaling Technologies: (DVD recorders that offer this feature include specific components allowing them to upscale standard DVD recordings to a high definition (HD) picture. Although upscaled programs will not look as good as native HD recordings (particularly in fine details), they do offer improved picture quality over typical standard definition programming. Upscaling DVD players are fairly common now, and the cost of this technology has fallen significantly over the last year. Note that it is more common on typical DVD players than DVD recorders, so you will need to look specifically for DVD recorders that offer this feature if you are interested in it.

- DVD Recorder/Hard Drive Combinations: Some DVD recorders are now including a built-in hard drive as well. These DVD recorders are designed for both recording to DVD as well as directly to the hard drive, similar to the features offered on many PVRs. Most DVD Recorders that offer a hard drive option can also be attached to a computer, allowing you to transfer videos as needed.

- Dual Tray DVD Recorders: Dual Tray DVD recorders are designed to make it easier to copy from one DVD to another. Manufacturers sell this as a way to easily backup your DVDs. Only a few DVD recorder models offer this feature.