DVR

The Digital Video Recorder (DVR) sometimes also called a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) is an amazing piece of equipment that has truly revolutionized the way we watch TV.   It has made the VCR all but obsolete due to it's ability to easily create recordings off of an easy to use programming guide without the hassles of rewinding a tape.  It offers substantial benefits such as dual tuners and time shifting.  The DVR also offers a substantial boost in quality due to the ability to record in digital and it is one of the only ways to record high definition broadcasts.  Many also offer HDMI connections and digital audio connection options.  You can get a cable tv dvr, a satellite tv dvr or a stand alone dvr.

How does the DVR work?

The DVR is a set top box with a built in tuner that accepts input from cable, digital satellite or from an antenna.  The programming is stored on the DVR's hard drive ranging in capacity from a few hours of HDTV programming to 300 or more hours of standard definition programming.

Popular cable tv DVR, satellite tv DVR and stand alone DVR models

There are many models available from a variety of manufacturers, but some of the more popular models are stand alone models by TiVo, the Scientific Atlanta 8300HD which is a cable tv dvr offered by many cable companies, as well as popular HD DVRs from DIRECTV and DISH Network.

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Benefits of a DVR

• Dual Tuners - Many DVRs offer dual tuners which allow you to record two shows at a time while at the same time watch a third recorded show.   Dual tuners also allow for picture in picture viewing on your tv.
• Time shifting - The DVR allows for time shifting which allows you to record a show and since there is no tape to rewind you can start watching the program part way through the recording.  You don't need to wait until the show is over to begin watching.  With a DVR's built in buffer you can pause live tv and rewind and fast forward the show you are watching allowing you to fast forward through commercials or uninteresting parts.   
• Programming guide - The guide will allow you to simply click a button and create scheduled recordings of your favorite programs.  These recordings can be set to only record the first run showings or to record all showings whether repeats or not.  Most guides will give you an interactive look at every channel and what shows will be broadcast for the upcoming week along with programming information and search functions. 

Limitations

The DVR is limited to the available space in the built in hard drive.  The Scientific Atlanta 8300HD model for example comes with a 160GB hard drive allowing for approximately 90 hours of standard programming or 20 hours of high definition programming.  If you want to archive your recordings you will need to archive to a DVD recorder or get a stand alone unit DVD recorder unit with built in tuner.  It is important to note that at present time high definition material can not be archived to DVD in its original high definition format.  Some models offer a SATA connection to attach the DVR to an additional hard drive for additional capacity.

Examples

• So you have two favorite shows on tv during the same time slot?  No problem.  Record them both and watch them later.  Or record one while watching the other one.
• Your favorite show is on at 8:00, but you really need to help the kids with their homework.  Just set the DVR to record the show and watch it later that evening, fast forwarding through commercials.
• While watching your favorite sporting event and the phone rings, you don't need to let it go to voicemail, just pause the game until your phone call is over.
• While watching LOST, you think you may have seen the newest clue, but you are not sure.  Just rewind the scene and watch it again and continue to watch without missing a minute.