DVD recorder

[Scarlett]

My Sony DVD recorder is getting temperamental and often won't play discs: even after cleaning. I want a new one but see that technology has changed since I last looked. What is Blu-ray? And what does one with a hard drive do? Is Freeview a useful thing to have? And can I even get a basic recorder anymore?!

[TTG]

Search for reviews on amazon. There are a lot to choose from. I also recommend registering with avforums.com for good reviews and recommendations. Get one with a hard drive recorder AND dvd. Freeview is useful. I can record one programme from that whilst watching a cable channel.