HDTV DVR

The Digital Video Recorder

A high definition television (HDTV) digital video recorder or DVR records from shows shown on television and plays it back there.  It may be a device that stands alone by itself or built in a high definition tuner or set-top box.

A DVR by itself is also called a personal video or hard disk recorder.  It is a device commonly used by consumers to digitize broadcast or cable TV into a hard disk through compression using the MPEG-2 system.  This allows the viewer to use the pause button at any given time and continue playing a picture or record a program that he or she likes to view at a much later date like what is usually done with the VCR.  The DVR could likely be set at a given time so it periodically tapes shows that are favorites whenever they are broadcast.  These DVRs came out first in the market in 1999 with brand names coming from ReplayTV and TiVo.

When using a phone line, the DVR by itself could call up a service provider and have a download of channel guide updates sent as well as updates on software for the unit.  These devices could also come as built in parts of an HDTV ready set, A/V receivers as well as satellite receivers and digital cable set-top boxes or HDTV tuners.  The last two integration of DVR offers the convenient advantage of incorporating the functions of the DVR into the program guide online that are more familiar among users.

There are now a lot of DVR sold in the market.  Among these products is Motorola's Comcast HD DVR. Acclaimed by some users as falling short from the Tivo experience, which was among the first that produced DVRs, the Motorola's Comcast is said to work in the most basic of ways that will keep the user hooked to it.  Its cheap cost was also lauded as a box need not be bought and only $9.95 is charged per month for the service done by the DVR.  Users commented on the cleanness of the interface that jumps out first once the unit is turned on.  The remote control for the device is also said have done a good job in conversing with the TV and A/V system.  Recordings are also said to be done with just one click and shows that were recorded were also seen as coming out crisp and clear.  The other feature of the Comcast that was highly mentioned was the way the unit always informs the user of the fullness of the device's listing as per the shows recorded.  This way the user knows exactly how much time he could still use for recording.

The downside to the Comcast is that a number of bugs were seen like the lag after the interface making the user push another button, only to learn that his move canceled the action that he wanted done.  There is also the noticed tendency for the buttons not to work as they are ought to work.

Another DVR product that got rave reviews this time is the DirecTV HD DVR that costs $1000 and contains 4 tuners that has 2 satellites and 2 antenna connections for over-the-air digital TV as well as a built-in DVR from TiVo.  The presence of the tuners meant that 2 HD shows can be recorded all at once while you are watching a prerecorded show all at the same time. The device has 250GB hard drive that holds an estimated 30 hours of HD programming or at least 200 hours of standard definition. The device also allows for the adjustment of resolutions letting the user change the quality of the picture he is viewing to his liking.  There is also an integration of digital over the air as well as satellite channels that is so seamless, it lets the user surf smoothly for the channels that he wants to view.

The problem with this device from DirecTV that is mostly commented on by users is its performance of the guide that appears onscreen as it is seen as sluggish.  The box is also seen as unattractive.

Another is the TiVo Series3 HD Digital Media Recorder, which is the TiVo's digital video recorder that is high definition and for digital cable.  It is said to deliver quality to its highest level as well as give off the best entertainment that is possible from high definition television.  IT also has the capability to tape 2 HD channels at the same time.  Aside from this is it also offers sound that is very top of the line as well as pictures of the highest quality.  TiVo is said to offer Emmy award-winning service in just one box.  The device is sold at the price range of $629 to $800.