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Digital Video Recorders, or DVRs, are the newest generation of home recording technology. DVRs record television content digitally onto a hard drive, SD memory card, USB flash drive, or other storage device. Common types of DVR include set-top DVR boxes, integrated TV-DVRs, and DVRs integrated into cable or satellite devices. DVRs offer users unprecedented levels of control over their television viewing experience and give them a flexibility in choosing programs, recording programs, and watching saved programs never seen before.

DVR Overview

Black remote in Popcorn

DVRs offer television users increased control over their viewing experience. Viewers no longer need to wait until an entire program is recorded to begin watching: they can start watching live program five minutes after it begins and not miss a moment. DVRs can be programmed to record television programs on an as-needed or ongoing basis, so there is no need to set the device each time a favorite program comes on. Simply program your DVR to record your favorite shows when they come on each day or each week and watch them at a later time. Some DVRs even allow users to program the DVR to record only first-run episodes of a program and not reruns. DVRs commonly hold 100 hours or more of saved programming, so there is no rush to watch recorded shows. Users can also keep episodes of favorite shows on-hand for viewing during their favorite programs' off-weeks or hiatuses. DVR's large hard drive and scheduled recording features allow parents to build up a collection of approved and appropriate television shows or movies to watch "on demand" with their children when children's programming is not available. Many DVRs also allow viewers to watch a show while recording a program on another channel and some allow users to record two programs simultaneously. Viewers can then watch their favorite shows or movies at their convenience and skip the commercials. Some DVRs include a feature that allows users to skip forward in 30 second intervals, which makes fast-forwarding through commercials even easier.

In addition to allowing viewers to record programs or movies for later viewing, DVRs offer additional features for live viewing. Viewers can pause live television and resume watching the same program at the same point immediately, which allows them to answer the phone, have a conversation, or perform any other task without missing their program. DVRs also allow viewers to rewind and re-watch portions of a live program and to watch part of a live program in slow motion, an especially useful feature when watching live sporting events.

Watching TV with a DVR Remote in Hand

Additional DVR Features

In addition to allowing viewers to record programs or movies for later viewing, DVRs offer additional features for live viewing. Viewers can pause live television and resume watching the same program at the same point immediately, which allows them to answer the phone, have a conversation, or perform any other task without missing their program. DVRs also allow viewers to rewind and re-watch portions of a live program and to watch part of a live program in slow motion, an especially useful feature when watching live sporting events.

DVR vs. VCR

DVRs have replaced VCRs as the home recording technology of choice and continue the revolution in television viewing habits that began with the widespread adoption of VCRs. The first VCR, introduced by Sony in 1970, only recorded one hour of television programming per cassette and was quickly followed by Sony's Betamax VCR, JVC's VHS format VCR, and Phillips' V2000 VCR. The VHS format became the standard and by the 1980s, VHS VCRs were commonplace home recording devices. VCRs revolutionized television viewing by allowing consumers to watch programs on their own schedule instead of when they were broadcast and allowing them to fast-forward through commercials. Improvements on the VCR had to wait until advances in computer data storage developed a digital hard drive with high data capacity. After large amounts of video could be stored to a hard drive and analog and digital signals easily converted, DVR technology was born. DVRs took off commercially in 1998 with the launch of ReplayTV and TiVo and cable and satellite providers began integrating DVR capabilities into their receivers and set-top boxes in 1999. Dual tuner DVRs, which are capable of recording two television programs simultaneously or allow the user to watch a television program while recording on another channel, appeared in 2003. DVR manufacturers continue to add more data capacity, features, and capabilities to meet users' needs.

Further Resources

To learn more about Digital Video Recorders, check out the following links.

  • DVR Reviews ��� Reviews of different types and brands of DVRs for consumers.
  • How DVRs Work ��� A detailed look at the accomplishments of Baird.
  • About DVRs ��� Information on stand-alone and integrated DVRs, troubleshooting, modifications, and upgrades. Also includes user forums.
  • Comparisons of DVRS, PVRs, and HTPCs ��� Buyers' comparisons of different types of digital video recording devices.
  • DVR and Online Viewing ��� The effect of DVRs and online availability of television shows on viewing habits.
  • How to use TiVO ��� Beginner tips and tricks for using and programming TiVo.
  • Types of DVRs ��� This article goes over the benefits of DVRs, the main types of DVRs, and how to get the most out of your DVR.
  • DVR Reviews and Buying Tips ��� Reviews of the top DVRs and tips on what features to look for when buying a DVR.