DVR

Do you know what a DVR is? Or how it works? How about what it's used for? Or where it originated? With technological advances speeding ahead leaving most of us left behind lost and confused, it's time for a simple explanation.

The 'Digital Video Recorder', more commonly known as the DVR, is a device used to record TV programmes which are then saved to the machines hard drive (or memory). This memory is built within the DVR where the film is stored until it is manually erased. Put simply, the digital video recorder is much like a VCR but with a digital box instead of tapes.

The DVR was developed in 1985 at Honeywell's Physical Sciences Center by David Rafner. After 14 years of development it finally emerged onto the television consumer market in 1999. The first two consumer DVR's, ReplayTV & TiVo, were launched at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics show. The companies started shipping digital video recorders that year and their businesses are still thriving today.

Since its launch, the DVR has developed at a startling rate. In 2001 the first DVR with Twin Tuner was created and by 2003 it had emerged into the consumer market. By having two tuners operating independently of one another, within the same digital video recorder, new possibilities were born. The feature allowed users to record a live digital TV programme, using a digital recorder, whilst watching another live programme simultaneously.

The DVR unit or digital box uses built in memory that is essentially a hard disk, same that you find in desk top computers and laptops. The DVR hard disk is then used to record TV shows from the digital TV network that are available for instant playback at any later time. As long as the memory is not exceeded, you have freedom over how many shows you can record on your DVR.

Your new DVR unit can take the place of your existing Video Cassette Recorder or VCR as it is commonly known. With the easy use of your personal DVR on-screen programme guide also known as the EPG, you can plan your complete TV viewing schedule for the for whole week, choosing in advance which films and programmes you will record, and which you will watch.

Many of the DVR units that are available today have the advanced DVR capabilities such as the ability to pause live TV, and setting ‘series links’ so you never have to miss a single episode of our favourite show. As mentioned earlier, the ‘twin tuner’ units can also allow you to record two digital channels simultaneously. However, not all DVR units support this, but if you are lucky enough to own one of these, you could effectively be able to view a third programme that you have previously recorded on your DVR or with an additional DVD / blu-ray player at the same time.

When buying your DVR unit, remember to consider the following points:

• DVR Twin Tuner – If you want to be able to record one station and view another with your DVR.
• DVR Disk Size – Remember to go for the largest DVR hard drive you can afford, that way you don’t have to worry about running out of space before you have had a chance to watch all the programmes you have pre recorded on your DVR.