The latest numbers show that only about 40% of Americans own a DVR (Digital Video Recorder). As well, only 60% of those who own DVRs actually use them. With all of the benefits you get it's hard to understand why everyone wouldn't have jumped on this technology by now. But what are those benefits?
If you're one of those people who have yet to buy or lease a DVR, you'll definitely want to keep reading. Let's take a look at the best reasons for owning, and using, a DVR.
EPG (Electronic Programming Guide)
One of my absolute favorite features of my DVR is the electronic programming guide (EPG). Most, if not all, DVRs on the market today provide you with a complete guide to the programming that is available to you for a certain period of time. The number of days you can view varies from DVR to DVR but for the most part, you can expect about two weeks worth of data.
You can use this guide to find new shows, get movie start times and also schedule your recordings. Gone are the days when you had to manually program each timer to make sure your favorite shows recorded. With on click of the remote, you can now catch every episode of a show and the EPG makes it all possible.
No Tapes
VCRs were a pain. First, there was setting the timer. As well, you had to ensure that you had either a blank tape or one that you didn't mind being overwritten. There are those of us who had stacks upon stacks of VHS tapes just waiting to be watched.
That simply doesn't happen with a DVR. Since the device has an internal hard drive, all of the shows you choose to record are automatically saved right inside the box, ready to view any time you're ready.
Season Management
Just 15 years ago, you had to set your VCR's timer every week for every show you wanted recorded. Now, not only can you record all of your shows automatically, but you can tell your DVR to record each and every new episode of a series.
TiVo calls it "Season Pass" but no matter the name, it means never missing the latest episode of a great TV show. Most DVRs give you multiple options as well. Shows that are no longer in production can be recorded every time they're on simply by telling your device to record all old episodes.
Commercial Skipping
If you tire of sitting through five minutes of commercials every ten minutes, don't worry. With a DVR you don't have to. All of the major DVR providers allow you to either fast forward or even provide a 30 second skip button on their remote controls. As long as you are watching a previously recorded show, you can skip past the commercials and get right back into the action.
TV On Your Time
I mention this feature last because it's really a combination of the others that makes it possible. TV on your time is exactly that. Also known as time shifting, the DVR frees you from the network's schedule. If you've ever missed a show, you know how hard it can be to view it later. With a DVR, that simply doesn't happen anymore.
Just like the VCR before it, the DVR has changed the way many of us watch TV. I encourage you to read some of the other articles here and learn everything you can before making that first DVR purchase.
As well, if you have questions that you just can't find the answers for, feel free to post in the forums!
