A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is used to record and replay television shows by using a "hard drive much like much like the one in a computer," according to Consumer Reports.org. DVRs are used along with cable or satellite service to access live television programs. Choices include a combination cable box with DVR capability for recording, or a stand-alone box using TiVo, currently the main service provider. An October 2009 study in India by NDS Group found that 88% of consumers said having a DVR makes TV viewing more enjoyable, and 77% wouldn't live without a DVR once they tried it.
Instructions
Use a DVR Recorder
1. Decide whether to add DVR service to your existing cable plan or add TiVo service separately. Contact your cable company to exchange equipment or purchase a TiVo box at a retail electronics store. Connect the cables to the DVR machine and find the main menu.
2. To record a single TV episode, you have three options. If the show is live, press the record button. Most DVR services will allow you to watch another channel while it records. If the show is not live, you can search for shows using the guide or typing in the name. To use the guide, find the channel list of current shows and move the cursor to the desired show, then press record. To search for a show, select the search option and type in the name of the show with your remote. You will then be given the option to record a single episode or the entire series.
3. To record a series, follow the steps for a single episode above, but be sure to select the series option.
4. Most DVR services allow you to record two shows at once and flip between only those two channels. If one show is being recorded, you may watch any other channel during that time. Also, if you are watching a recorded DVR program, any scheduled recordings will still record while you watch your selected program.
5. Most DVRs have an icon showing your current capacity level. As Consumer Reports warns, one disadvantage of a DVR is "that capacity is limited by the size of the drive, so it's not a good way to archive programs indefinitely." You will have to monitor the level of memory and deleted viewed shows to allow new ones to record.
Tags: single episode, Consumer Reports, Most services, much like, press record, record single
