The most popular TV and video recorders are digital video recorders, also called personal video recorders. These digital video recorders, or DVRs, have replaced the VCR as the primary means of recording television broadcasts by incorporating the already known controls of a VCR while eliminating the need for tapes.
Technology
TV and video recorders record television and movies at the touch of a button and save the title to a hard drive. Unlike a VCR, DVR systems are totally digital. This allows for instant recording and categorizing of shows and movies for quick access. Since the recordings are digital, the quality of the recording is the same as the original broadcast.
Features
DVR systems allow for the recording and playback of future television as well as replaying "live" shows. This is done since the system is set to always record in predetermined intervals. This feature is useful if you would like to record something on the fly or pause live TV for whatever reason. However, even though the TV and video recorder is always recording, it does not save a television sthe hard drive unless specified by its user.
TV and video recorders also allow users to set a "season pass," which will record all episodes of a specific program title. Other features include connection to Internet-based programming, "smart recording," which records shows based on viewing preferences, and the ability to program the DVR from the Internet.
Types
There are several types of TV and video recorders. Each cable or satellite provider will offer users the option to lease its DVR for a monthly fee. These DVRs will likely differ in features and functionality. However, they all will have the same basic ability to record and save live and future television programming.
Another option is for users to purchase their own TV and video recorder, such as TiVo or ReplayTV. These systems usually offer their consumers more features, such as a larger hard drive or a more streamlined interface.
History
The first ever DVR was created in 1997 by ReplayTV. It was created to enable users to record television programming without having to use the limited size of a VCR tape. ReplayTV allowed its customers to rewind, fast-forward and pause programming recorded to its hard drive.
Considerations
Since each TV and video recorder may differ by designer or cable company, it is important to research the features, hard drive space and cost per month that each service charges.
Tags: hard drive, video recorders, video recorder, digital video, digital video recorders, future television
