Digital Video Recorders
(DVR) are Here to Stay
By now you have probably already heard of digital video recorders or DVRs. The DVR system is a device that allows you to digitally record television programming. While they are not really a necessity in the world of home theater, you will certainly feel that they are once you have used it for any period of time. The VCR is beyond antiquated; it is a relic of a by-gone era. Keep reading and you will stand behind that statement as well.
Digital
Video Recording - No More Tapes
Unlike the VCR, the DVR has
absolutely
no use for cassette tapes. Instead, the DVR system relies on
an internal hard drive to store data digitally. These hard
drives are just like the ones used for your computer, in fact their
size is measured in gigabytes as well. It goes without saying
that a larger hard drive will give you more recording time, so try to
find a DVR with the largest hard drive you can afford. You
will find that skimping in this area will leave you wishing for more
recording time in the future.DVR Systems Provide Higher Quality Recordings
Since the DVR system records in a digital format, the quality it provides is leaps and bound ahead of what a VCR can muster. This is especially important when you are recording a program that is broadcast in HD. The last thing you want is degraded video quality in a program that was originally so spectacular.Another benefit over the VCR is that you rely on fewer moving parts for your recordings. Everyone has had a VCR devour one of their tapes or worse, a child's tape. This is not even a consideration with a DVR system. You can record again and again without the same concerns you had with the VCR.
Never Miss a Show with a DVR System
In a way, a DVR system turns you into a station manager. Rather than having someone dictate when a show will be available for you to watch, YOU decide when you will be available to watch it. This is the essence of the programmable recording of the DVR. You are finally able to determine your schedule without worrying about missing your favorite television program.The programming for the DVR system is simple because it is menu based. As opposed to the VCR where you were required to set a day and time for it to record, the DVR allows you to pick your program from a menu and it's done. Beyond simplistic. With many systems, you don't have to worry about making sure that the DVR is on at the time the program airs. Many DVR systems will record whether the power is on or off.
DVR Systems Can Pause and Rewind Live TV
That's right, you can pause and rewind live television. You no longer have to wait until a commercial to run to the bathroom and then try to rush back before the break is over. Just push pause. You don't have to worry about missing the play of the game or dialog between characters. Just push rewind. You can even fast forward through programs you have recorded, completely by-passing the commercials.Yes, the VCR is dead. Long live the DVR system. Once you have used these features for any measure of time, you will wonder how you got along without it. The programming capabilities on the DVR system alone are worth the price of admission, but couple that with the higher video quality and added reliability over the VCR and you have a device that has a place in everyone's home theater ensemble.