That’s thanks to Sony’s Bravia Sync technology.

“For maximum viewing comfort and convenience, Bravia Sync simplifies one-touch control of your complete home entertainment system,” a well-connected Sony exec said today.

“Connected via HDMI to your Bravia TV, the Hard Disk Drive DVD recorder can be controlled directly from the television’s remote, along with other compatible Sony devices like Blu-ray Disc players.”

The flagship RDR-HXD1095 model in the new range features a massive 500GB drive – enough for up to 1,420 hours of TV (depending on recording quality).

Alongside TV programmes, you can also store digital photos, camcorder footage, MP3 music files and CD music tracks on the drive – even transferring files from a USB key.

As well as an analogue TV tuner for recording standard terrestrial channels, all HXD Series models feature an integrated DVB-T tuner for viewing and recording digital broadcasts.

Sony claims the recorded picture quality is “superb” – thanks to a high bit-rate HQ+ record mode, which reduces on-screen image noise and improves reproduction of moving images. The system also handles 1080p upscaling.

New for 2008 is the ability to take the footage from HDD camcorders and place it directly on the hard drive.

This option can be used with Sony’s Standard Definition Handycam HDD camcorder.

Also new this year is X-Pict Story, which allows you to create your own personal slideshows from images stored on the recorder’s hard drive.

The results can be viewed directly on your TV or burned to DVD for sharing or storing.

Online deals have seen the Sony RDR-HXD1095 priced at £389, including VAT and postage.