All Video Players and Recorders

The Bottom Line: A bargain price and built-in DVD player distinguishes the Linksys DMA2200 from rival Windows Media Center Extenders, but we found the performance to be inconsistent.

Specs: DVD player / digital multimedia receiver, Stereo, Remote control

The Bottom Line: CNET did not review the Linksys DMA2100, but we did review the step-up model in the series.

Specs: Digital multimedia receiver, Stereo, Remote control

The Bottom Line: The Samsung BD-P2500 adds Netflix to an already well-featured and top-performing Blu-ray player, with only some minor disc compatibility issues giving us pause.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, 6.8 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Sony BDP-S550 offers excellent image quality and a solid feature set, but only consider it if you need the multichannel analog outputs.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Remote control, DTS decoder, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital, DTS-HD decoder, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, 7.3 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Samsung BD-P2550 adds Netflix and Pandora to an already well-featured and top-performing Blu-ray player, with only some minor disc compatibility issues giving us pause.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Universal remote control, Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, Surround Sound, 6.8 lbs

The Bottom Line: The Insignia NS-DXA1-APT DTV converter box has an easy-to-use design and solid video quality, but other boxes have more features or are easier for seniors.

Specs: Remote control

The Bottom Line: The Panasonic DMP-BD35 represents the best value in standalone Blu-ray players, with excellent image quality, a comprehensive feature set, and a price that's significantly lower than the PS3.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Remote control, Stereo, 5.7 lbs

The Bottom Line: Now that Blu-ray has become the pre-eminent high-definition standard for discs, the Xbox 360 has yet to support it, but it still remains an excellent game console with a superior game library and online experience.

Specs: Xbox 360 Pro System - Game console, DVD-ROM, 1 x IBM PowerPC 3 cores 3.2 GHz, 1920 x 1080

The Bottom Line: The LG BD300 deftly combines Blu-ray and Netflix streaming in a single box, although there are better standalone players without Netflix.

Specs: Blu-Ray disc player, Tabletop, Remote control, Dolby TruHD, Stereo, 6.6 lbs

Specs: Sony PlayStation 3 - Game console, BD-ROM, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, Cell Broadband Engine, 1920 x 1080