Television on Your Schedule with a Digital Video
Recorder (DVR)
by: Becky Jacobs
The introduction of the VCR changed so much for the
television viewer. Before the introduction of the VCR,
you had to watch the show when it was broadcast by the
network – that was your only option. If you recorded
your favorite show, you were able to watch it when you
wanted to – and as many times as you wanted to. All you
needed was a blank video tape and a VCR. That has all
changed with the DVR.
A DVR, or Digital Video
Recorder, is technology that takes all the great
features of a VCR and places it in the digital age.
Instead of multiple tapes, you have a single hard drive.
Instead of degrading tape quality issues, shows are now
recorded digitally that can last forever. Instead of
programming a VCR through a complicated interface of
tiny buttons on a remote control, you can program your
DVR through a simple point and click interface, possibly
even from your home computer.
In addition to the
ability to watch your shows whenever you want to, there
is another benefit to the DVR that most people only
mention quietly – the ability to quickly forward through
your commercials. With everything being digital, a 30
second skip can be done with the click of a button.
Imagine getting back 10 minutes of your life back for
every hour of television your watch!
DVRs come in many shapes
and sizes. There are set-top boxes that go right on your
television set. They don’t require any other products to
work. Some brand names of these options include Tivo and
Replay TV. Many satellite companies (and digital cable
companies) such as Dish Network and Direct TV have
options as well. Microsoft Windows Media Center is an
option for Windows users. There are also options for the
Mac and/or Linux user.
Once you have a DVR
record your shows, you can watch them whenever you want.
Some systems even let you transfer the content to a DVD
or your laptop.
The Digital Video
Recorder (DVR) changes everything for the television
viewer. I hope you can join the revolution.
