What Is a DVR (Digital Video Recorder)? GA S REGULAR Menu Lifewire Tech for Humans Newsletter! Search Close GO Home Theater & Entertainment > DVDs, DVRs & Videos 24 24 people found this article helpful

What Is a DVR (Digital Video Recorder)?

Learn what this device is and how it works to your home theater's advantage

By Robert Earl Wells III Updated on April 18, 2022 Reviewed by Ryan Perian Reviewed by Ryan Perian Western Governors University Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions. lifewire's editorial guidelines Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email DVDs, DVRs & Videos TV & Displays Audio DVDs, DVRs & Videos A DVR (digital video recorder) is a device or service used for recording and storing videos. Learn more about what a DVR is to help determine if you need one for your TV.

What Is a DVR and How Does It Work

DVRs became popular in the late 1990s with the introduction of TiVo. Watching stored video allows you to rewind and fast forward at will. If you are watching live TV, you can pause and pick up where you left off. DVRs can be integrated into the set-top box supplied by your cable or satellite provider, but they are also sold as standalone units. DVR units you buy store videos on a hard drive, but cloud DVR services keep your recordings on a remote server owned by the service provider.
You can adjust the number of hours you can store on a DVR by lowering the video quality settings.

What Is a DVR Used For

DVRs are primarily used to record movies and TV shows so you can watch them later. You can typically set up your DVR to record specific shows or events when they air. If you have a favorite show, you can have it automatically record only new episodes and delete old ones. DVRs with multiple tuners built-in can even record multiple channels simultaneously. The DVR sets aside buffer space on the hard drive so it can constantly record live TV. This makes it possible to pause and rewind live broadcasts. If you miss the beginning of a show, you can start from the beginning and skip through commercials. Aside from recording TV, there are also DVRs for recording live camera feeds. These devices are typically used as part of security systems to store surveillance footage.

Do I Need a DVR With a Smart TV

You only need a DVR if you have a live television service that supports it. You can't use a DVR to record Netflix, HBO Max, Disney Plus, or most other internet streaming services. Even if you download the app for specific networks (like NBC, CW, etc.), there's no way to record on-demand shows and movies. That said, some streaming providers offer live television with cloud DVR. For example, you can record Hulu+ Live TV so long as you have a compatible device. DVR service usually comes with a monthly fee that's tacked on to your TV bill, but Sling TV DVR lets you record up to 10 hours of television for free. FAQ What is a DVR service? For many years, cable providers like Comcast would offer a 'DVR service' for a monthly fee. After signing up, they would swap your old cable box out with one that had DVR functionality. This is less common in the modern day, but it still is offered. What is a cloud DVR? A cloud DVR is a DVR with cloud features, like uploading recorded content to the cloud for easy access on other devices. A cloud DVR is less a formal product name and more a feature description. What is a DVR box? For a long time, DVRs were their own separate boxes that sat under the TV. Today, they can be that or simply be a feature on a cable box, or their functionality can be found in various apps and programs on phones and computers. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Is YouTube TV Worth It? 5 Reasons to Sign Up Before You Buy a DVR, Consider This Hulu vs. Sling: Which Live TV Service is Best? Hulu + Live TV Explained The Top 7 Streaming Services with Local Channels Where to Watch Friends Online How to Stream the Hallmark Channel What Is Plex Live TV And Should I Use It? How to Cut the Cord and Cancel Cable How to Stream Law and Order How to Record on YouTube TV How to Use DirecTV Stream The 7 Best TV Streaming Apps of 2022 How to Install YouTube TV on Fire Stick How Much Does TiVo Cost? Equipment and Service Plans. Cord Cutting Guide: The Best Cable TV Alternatives to Save Money in 2022 Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies