Gefen isn’t usually the first thought when it comes to high-def recording. That is until this little cube came into existence.

Their plainly named HD PVR combines one-touch recording and playback in a nice, neat, brushed aluminum package. But the coolness comes from the inside.

Gefen puts a spin on the traditional DVR by allowing you to record content from your TV or any attached object, such as a camcorder or digital video recorder—and then play it on a PC in the MPEG4 format. It’s even got a switching function so you can connect two video sources at once.

Other highlights include the ability to convert analog A/V signals to the HDMI digital format (HD PVR only). You can also download selected programming, images and sound onto any USB storage device (SD PVR) or SD flash media card (HD PVR) and take it on the go.

The HD PVR comes with an 80GB hard drive. Score one on Gefen’s site for $999. They’ve also got a standard-def version for $699.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.