Digital Video Recorders Defined
Digital video recorders or DVRs are devices that record video without the aid of videotape. Video is stored to a hard drive digital storage system. The term digital video recorder includes software for personal computers that allow video capture and playback, as well as standalone digital recorder boxes.
Most people don’t know this, but the first digital video recorder was tested in 1965 by CBS, who wanted to explore the possibilities of freeze frame and rewind functions for sporting event broadcasts. The first commercial hard drive video recorder was released to the public in 1967.
Part of the reason that the VCR was used instead of DVRs is that hard drive technology of that time was not able to accommodate the larger file sizes. The HS-100, one of the first digital video recorders was only able to capture and store about thirty seconds of footage. It’s easy to see why we were dependent on videotape for so many years after the invention of the digital video recorder.
TiVo and ReplayTV were two early consumer DVRs that were introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 1999. Though ReplayTV won more awards, it was TiVo that went on to achieve great commercial success.
Over the last few years many other DVRs have hit the market and consumers are free to choose from the plethora of digital recording options available. It’s pretty much standard now for cable television companies to offer rental or purchase of a digital video recorder along with basic cable service.
One of the many advantages to digital video recorders over VCRs is that video can be transferred to users’ personal computers and shared over the internet or burned to DVDs. This allows for sharing of video like never before.
Which one is better, TiVo or a standalone DVR? It really depends on which one you like better. Go to a local electronics store and try out some of each type. TiVo is continuing to offer deals such as their lifetime subscription service in order to compete with the other DVR manufacturers. So take a look at the various subscription packages before making a decision, as this is another factor worth considering.
