The MDR-867H/MDR868H are DVD/Hard Drive recorders that include 2-tuners, which allow the recording of two channels simultaneously (one on the hard drive, and one on DVD) the ability to record one channel and watch a live channel at the same time. However, there is a catch - the built-in tuners will only receive over-the-air digital and HD TV broadcasts - it is not compatible with cable or satellite. It does not include analog TV signal reception. On the other hand, you can record high-definition programs on the hard drive (DVD recordings will be in standard definition). You can dub non-copy-protected recordings from the hard drive to DVD (HD recordings will convert to SD on DVD). If the built-in 1TB (867H) or 2TB (868H) hard drive storage capacity is not enough, you can expand either unit via a compatible USB hard drive. Magnavox suggestions the Seagate Expansion and Backup Plus Series and Western Digital’s My Passport and My Book Series. Another innovative feature is the inclusion of both Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity. Consumers can watch live TV received by the MDR867H/868H’s tuners or hard drive recordings, and even download up to 3 recorded programs from the hard drive onto compatible smartphones and tablets using a wireless home network and a free downloadable app. However, despite network connectivity, the MDR868H does not provide internet streaming content, such as Netflix. The MDR868H can record and play (DVD-R/-RW, CD, CD-R/-RW) discs. Home theater connectivity includes HDMI and Digital Optical audio outputs and a set of composite video/analog audio outputs for connection to older TVs. For analog recording, the MDR868H provides two sets of Composite video inputs, paired with analog stereo RCA inputs (one set on the front panel/one set on rear panel) and a front panel S-Video input (very rare these days). Design - Given that DVD recorders are on their way out, their designs haven’t exactly been a priority for manufacturers. As such, they tend to be clunkier than newer technology out there. Still, most are slim enough to stow away in a drawer until you need it. Additional features - At their most basic, DVD recorders can replace a VCR, but newer models have several neat features that offer distinct advantages. For example, some have multiple tuners, which allow you to record multiple channels simultaneously (one to the DVD and one to the hard drive). Other DVD recorders have Ethernet and Wi-Fi connectivity, though it’s important to note that this doesn’t mean they can support streaming content like Netflix.
