Detailed look at Set Top Digital Video Recorders (DVR)

Using Digital Video Recorders (DVR)

Set Top Digital Video Recorders ( DVR ) are replacing the VCR as the recording method of choice for the new millennium. Known as a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), Personal Video Recorder (PVR) or Hard Disk Recorder (HDR), these stand-alone devices record directly onto a high-capacity hard drive disk, the same kind of hard drive found in a computer.

Recording Times

The amount of TV programming you can store depends on the size of the hard drive, and what type of recording mode you use. Similar to a VCR, a DVR can record in different modes, typically, 1 hour/2hour/4hour and 6 hour modes. Recording in the 4 or 6 hour mode deteriorates the image, but can be used for TV shows when you are not that concerned with quality.

"Time-Shifting"

DVRs offer "time-shifting" capability. VCRs offer basic time-shifting when recording a program to watch at a later time or date. DVRs, because they are recording to a tapeless drive, offer more advanced time-shifting capability.

Every time you change the channel on a DVR, the channel begins to record to the drive. It continuously records even if you pause the program or rewind. As an example of time-shifting, many DVR owners will tune to a TV show when it starts, pause it, and return 20 minutes later and start watching the program from the beginning, while it continues to record. This allows users to fast-forward commercials and catch up to the "live" broadcast by the time the show is nearing the end. DVRs vary in the length of time a program can be paused, but, generally, it's between 30 minutes and an hour.

Recording with the DVR

All DVRs include some type of Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) that allow users to select TV shows to record. Simply find the program you want to record and press the record button on the remote. DVRs also offer the ability to record a TV show for an entire season.

Interactive menus are used to navigate through the EPG and find the programs you wish to record. Different recording options, such as recording a program one time, recording a program daily, or recording a program weekly can be easily accomplished.

You can also customize how a program is recorded. You can instruct the DVR to start recording a program a few minutes early and end a few minutes later, so you don't miss any of the show if it starts early or ends late.

Searching for Specific Programming

Most DVRs include a method of searching for types of programs that interest you. Search by categories, such as sports or movies, or some DVRs offer searching by keyword, actor or director. A show can also be recorded "on the fly" while you're watching it. Just press the record button on the remote and it will immediately start recording and be saved on the hard drive for later viewing.

Speaking of saved programs, once a show is recorded to the hard drive, it can then be accessed at any time for viewing. Navigate to the saved programs, using the menu system, and select the show to watch. A recorded program can then be paused, rewinded and fast-forwarded, just as if you were viewing a VHS tape or DVD.

Single and Dual Tuner DVRs

Some DVRs offer dual-tuners, which allow users to record one program while watching another, or to record two programs at once. Some DVRs only include one tuner, so the channel being recorded has to be the channel you're on. A program set to record at a certain time will automatically tune to the channel to record, or if the DVR is off, it will turn itself on and tune to the correct channel. It will then shut off when the recording is done. If you try to change the channel while a program is recording, you will get a message asking if you want to stop recording or continue.

DVRs allow you to watch a previously recorded program while recording another. Both single and dual tuner models offer this feature. Some DVRs come with a DVD Recorder built-in, so that you can save TV shows to a recordable DVD disc.

DVR Manufacturers

Set Top DVRs are available from many manufacturers. Some of the big players are TiVo, ReplayTV, Humax, Toshiba, JVC, Sony and Panasonic. Some of these companies offer DVRs with TiVo Service built-in (for a monthly fee), or feature some other type of EPG (VCR+ Plus, TV Guide On-Screen, etc.). Cable and Satellite providers also offer DVRs to their clients.

Read on about the Pros and Cons of Digital Video Recorders