DVRs

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Digital video recorders' or 'DVRs' for short are stand alone devices which feature a hard disk for storing rec

orded digital video data. Some manufacturers have also combined them with DVD recorders. This means that users have two options, they can record straight onto DVD, or to a hard disk.

Furthermore, they can use the stored data on the hard disk to record onto a DVD at a later date. This is especially useful for people who own DVDs which can only be recorded onto once.

They can record onto the hard disk, make sure they like the recording, and then transfer onto a DVD. This avoids the possibility of recording something you don't like onto a one time recordable DVD, and wasting the cost of the DVD into the bargain.

DVRs are sometimes referred to as plus boxes in the UK, this is due to the astounding success of BSKYB's sky+ box.

However, this is just one example of a DVR box, it was not the original, and companies such as Virgin Media have released a V+ box to compete with Sky. What people love with the Sky+ box is it's utter simplicity.

Unlike with videoplus+ where you need to look into a TV guide for a relevant code, Sky and Virgin provide a free daily menu of programme listings. All you then have to do is select the programme and press the red 'R' for record button on the controller.

One of the few downsides is you cannot record programmes a day or week in advance. Also the advertisers are not happy that users can begin their viewing schedule 20 minutes later, and consequently forward over all the advertisements.

Cable and satellite companies worldwide seem to be following BSKYB's lead and incorporating a DVR feature into their set top box.

The United States regulatory body for broadcasting has recently stipulated that cable companies must provide third party manufacturers the opportunity to incorporate their DVR technology into existing devices.

The effect of this will be to break the monopoly cable companies have in forcing consumers to purchase a standard set top box provided by the cable company.