Sony's refresh of its DVD recorder line--on display at its product showcase in Las Vegas--reflects the new FCC mandate to include a digital ATSC tuner in newly introduced recording devices. Adding an ATSC tuner adds some additional cost to the DVD recorder, which is why vendors are giving you the choice--especially considering you may already be relying on your cable box’s tuner, regardless. Sony showed two tuner-less models. The RDR-GXD355 has line-input recording (for use with a cable box) and cable-box pass-through, so you don't have to have the unit on order to access your cable box's channels.

The RDR-VX555 builds on the RDR-GXD355's features by adding a VCR with a DVD recorder, and providing one-touch bi-directional dubbing between VHS and DVD. Unfortunately, you can't record in high-definition to standard-definition DVDs. The unit will only record in standard definition, down-converting the image from the high-def feed the ATSC tuner will receive. For more information, check out DVD-Recorder-Reviews.info.