The bad news for people who have only just learnt how to programme their existing video recorders is that Toshiba has developed a networked DVD recorder boasting advanced features such as the ability to set up and record TV programmes via email.

Toshiba's newly developed RD-XS54 Multi-Drive (DVD-Ram, DVD-R and DVD-RW) recorder, which ships with a 250GB hard disc drive, can be connected to other devices over a home Ethernet network.

"Home networks are rapidly increasing," said Jodi Sally, vice president of marketing at Toshiba's America Consumer Products Digital A/V Group.

"With our network-capable DVD recorder we enhance the functionality of the unit. Whether it is being able to schedule a recording via email or by using your home PC to program new recordings, the RD-XS54 makes recording and playback easier and more flexible for consumers."

The RD-XS54 DVD recorders can be connected to a PC, allowing users to stream recorded content or even live programming to the computer. Users can also add and edit title information to personal home videos from a PC, and upload custom menu backgrounds for creating DVD-R/RW discs.

Additional features include High-Definition Multimedia Interface with up-conversion capability to 720p or 1080i. This up-conversion will be performed for all sources whether they are playing back content encoded on a DVD or the HDD, including the tuner and inputs.

In addition, the DV input allows the transfer of camcorder recordings directly onto DVD media. The RD-XS54 has begun shipping in the US with a retail price of $699.99.