As the originator of DVD-R technology, Pioneer has been that format's staunchest proponent. But in a nod to the competition, the new Pioneer DVR-A06 adds support for the rival DVD+R and DVD+RW formats.

In most other ways, the DVR-A06 is similar to its DVR-A05 predecessor. Both boast robust construction, 4X DVD-R and 2X DVD-RW recording, and a consistent ability to produce discs that work reliably in every DVD player in our lab. The A06 ships with a generous software bundle that includes Ahead Software's Nero Express 5.5 and Nero Toolkit, the SAI WriteDVD! drive letter access and packet-writing software, and special editions of Ulead DVD Player, MovieFactory, PictureShow, and VideoStudio.