The densely detailed images from high-definition video continue to spread on TV, but options to record those programs in HD remain very limited.

High-definition Blu-ray and HD DVD players arrived earlier this year, but devices that can record in high definition onto DVD aren’t expected until next year. Today’s DVD recorders can record content only in standard definition.

Some hard-drive recorders can handle high def, and you’ll probably rent or lease them rather than buy. Most cable and satellite companies offer boxes that include HD digital video recorders, and TiVo’s first HD model should be out now.

Even though DVD recorders are still limited to standard definition, you might be considering one to record regular TV programming on disc rather than on a VCR tape. Even here, there’s a catch. In 2009, when all TV broadcasts are scheduled to go digital, today’s recorders might have limited functionality. That’s because they have only analog tuners. Starting in March 2007, all video recorders in stores must include an Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) digital tuner or no tuner at all. (To record TV broadcasts with tunerless models, you’ll need an external device that has a digital tuner, such as a cable box or satellite receiver.)

Here’s advice to help you through these confusing times. In Choosing a DVD player you’ll find a rundown of recording options. See Ratings for DVD recorders, and recommendations for DVD players .

Most cable companies and both satellite providers now offer these devices. The recorder is housed in the same box as the tuner and controlled by the same remote, and the recording function is integrated seamlessly with your existing TV service and program guide. There’s an additional charge--typically $5 to $10--on top of the fee for your TV service.

You can get either an HD or standard-definition recorder. The onscreen program guides are continuously updated and always match the service offerings, while TiVos require a separate phone or Internet connection. TiVo, though, typically has a more sophisticated program guide. For that reason, the cable operators Comcast and Cox have licensed the TiVo user interface for use in their recorders.

Recording capacity varies, but you can generally expect between 90 and 200 hours for standard-definition recordings and 30 hours or so for HD. Most models don’t allow you to increase compression to squeeze more content onto the drive at reduced picture quality, as you can with many retail units.

CR’s take. For high-definition recording, a DVR from your cable or satellite provider is the best way to go--it’s convenient and you need not worry about investing in obsolescent equipment. It’s also attractive for standard-def recording. If you chafe even at the boxes’ generous recording capacity, you can use a VCR or inexpensive DVD recorder to archive (but only in standard definition) content you want to keep for repeated viewing.

A DVD recorder lets you record standard-definition programming onto a removable disc, much as you would onto a tape with a VCR. Advantages over a VCR include higher-quality recordings.

But avoid spending big bucks on such a recorder, because it’s not certain how it will be affected by the coming change in TV broadcasting. In February 2009, television broadcasters will shut off the analog VHF and UHF stations they’ve used for 60 years and solely use digital ones.

That means any video gear you buy today with analog tuners, including all DVD recorders and most TiVo DVRs, will have to be connected to an external digital tuner to record an off-air TV?broadcast. Manufacturers could not--or would not--tell us how well the current analog recorders will work with cable and satellite set-top boxes in the all-digital TV era.

CR’s take. Wait, if you can, to buy a DVD recorder. If you already use a set-top box for digital cable or satellite service, waiting for the new digital-tuner models should ensure fewer compatibility issues with current and future boxes. If you really must have a DVD recorder now, we recommend one of the better, lower-priced performers in our Ratings , which cost as little as $125.