20110419

What Exactly Are DVR Recorders, Anyway?

If you're considering buying a DVR Recorder and aren't exactly sure what to look for, this article will help. I'll describe what DVR recorders do, list some advantages of DVRs, and describe some advanced features available on some models.


What is a DVR Recorder?

What is a DVR Recorder? Basically, a DVR Recorder is a device that lets you record digital video to a hard disk for later replay. It's essentially a modern digital version of a VCR. The most typical home use for a DVR Recorder is to record television shows and movies for watching later. You can record in very high quality (some DVRs even record in HD), and you can store many hours of video right on the hard disk that's built into the device. Most DVR recorders have some additional features, like the ability to record to DVDs.

Advantages of DVR Recorders


What are some of the advantages of a DVR? First, just like with a VCR, you can conveniently record your favorite shows and watch them later. But with a DVR, the recording quality is much higher, especially if you have cable TV. But you can also get very high quality recordings from digital broadcast, provided you have a good antenna and get a clear digital signal. Also, you don't have the inconvenience of dealing with VCR tape cassettes. Most of the time, you just record directly to the hard disk. Many units also let you record to DVDs, so you can make permanent copies of shows you may want to watch again and again. You can easily skip commercials when you watch a show. Most DVRs will let you record one program while watching another, or even rewind a show that you're watching live, while still recording it in real time.

DVR Recorders Advanced Features


What are some advanced features that you might want to look for? Some DVRs will let you search recorded shows by the name of the program, or even the actors that appear in the program. Usually these DVRs require that you subscribe to a service, like TIVO. When you subscribe to a service like this, you can even do things like automatically recording all episodes of your favorite show, regardless of what time or channel they are on. You can even record all movies featuring your favorite actor, or all movies by a certain director.

In this article, we've defined what a DVR Recorder is, described some advantages of DVR Recorders, and listed some advanced features that you may want to look for. Look for more detailed information in future posts on this site.