Basics of DVRs
A DVR, or digital video recorder is the modern equivalent of a VCR. DVRs digitally record movies, TV shows and other videos. DVRs have high-capacity built-in computer hard drives which can store many hours of video and can erase and record over data almost indefinitely. DVRs can come with TiVo or another service which they are designed to work with. They can automatically record programs from that service for later viewing.
How it Works
Different DVRs receive their digital signals from different sources. Depending on the service, the DVR receiver might get a signal from a conventional cable, fiberoptic cable or satellite dish. If you set the DVR to record while the TV is on, the receiver automatically divides the signal into two. One signal is turned into an image which is displayed on the TV screen, along with a soundtrack played on the speakers. The other signal is written directly onto the hard drive of the DVR. When you want to watch the program again, the hard disk reads the stored signal and turns it back into video and audio for your television. DVRs also have timers which allow the user to cue the DVR to record a particular show. When the timer goes off, the hard drive switches to the preset channel and records the incoming signal until the timer automatically turns it off again.
Other Features
There are several advanced features available on modern DVRs. Many DVRs can actually record one show while displaying another on the television. These video recorders actually have two tuners so one can record the show on one channel while the other displays the show on another channel. Another popular feature is the ability to pause live broadcasts. When the DVR user hits the pause button, the hard drive starts recording the broadcast. When the user hits play again, the DVR actually plays him the recording, while continuing to record the show as it comes in.
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