I should probably start by mentioning that my first HDD DVR (which I still own and use regularly) is a Pioneer DVR-533H-S (http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DVR-533H-S-Design-Recorder-Drive/dp/B000AHSTMY). That being the case, my expectations may have been a little too high, comparing a lofty Pioneer to a lowly Magnavox. Please bear that in mind as you read this review. I'm also a software developer and a gadget geek, so I'm comfortable around electronics.

When our local TV stations began broadcasting digital channels, my trusty analog Pioneer DVR began to lose it's usefulness; I could still record digital channels when filtered through a converter box, but I could no longer "set and forget" my recordings, since the channel had to be changed at the converter box. So began my search for a new DVR with a digital tuner.

I found this product (the Magnavox H2080MW8) on clearance at Walmart for around $80 in May 2008; they had two left, so my dad and I each grabbed... Read more

Why buy this for $400 plus with only a HDD drive? When you can buy the 160GB HDD model for HALF the price. I just picked one up at the local WalMart (maybe Amazon has it too it is the H2160MW9).

Loved this unit until the tuner went out, and then the HDD went out. Now all I have is a dvd player, and it is a little iffy as well. Owned it for 3 years.