(1) (Digital Video Recorder) A device that records video onto a hard disk from one or more ceiling mounted video cameras. Part of a security system, the DVR typically supports 4, 8 or 16 separate camera channels. The frame rate may be adjustable between real time and time lapse, the latter used to save disk space. Digital-based surveillance recorders offer many advantages over earlier VHS tape-based systems. They provide more recording flexibility, and the images can be easily transmitted over any computer network.
(2) (Digital Video Recorder) Also known as a "personal video recorder" (PVR) or "hard disk recorder," a DVR is a consumer device that digitizes broadcast or cable TV onto a hard disk using MPEG-2 compression. It allows the viewer to pause at any time and continue playing or to record a program for viewing at a later date like a VCR. The DVR can also be set to periodically record favorite shows whenever broadcast.
DVRs first came on the market in 1999 with products from ReplayTV and TiVo (www.tivo.com). They quickly made the VCR obsolete for timeshifting TV programs, and Tivo became the DVR leader. ReplayTV was later acquired by SONICblue, D&M Holdings and eventually the DIRECTV satellite TV service (www.directv.com).
Stand-Alone or Part of the Service
Using a phone line, the DVR can call a service provider and download the channel guide updates as well as software updates for the unit itself. DVRs are also built into TV sets, A/V receivers as well as satellite receivers and digital cable set-top boxes, the latter two offering the advantage of integrating DVR functions into the online program guide that users are familiar with. See live pause and DVD recorder.
ReplayTV
The ReplayTV unit and remote appear in front of the Find Shows screen, which enables a viewer to search for programming throughout the week by keyword. (Image courtesy of ReplayTV.)
(2) (Digital Video Recorder) Also known as a "personal video recorder" (PVR) or "hard disk recorder," a DVR is a consumer device that digitizes broadcast or cable TV onto a hard disk using MPEG-2 compression. It allows the viewer to pause at any time and continue playing or to record a program for viewing at a later date like a VCR. The DVR can also be set to periodically record favorite shows whenever broadcast.
DVRs first came on the market in 1999 with products from ReplayTV and TiVo (www.tivo.com). They quickly made the VCR obsolete for timeshifting TV programs, and Tivo became the DVR leader. ReplayTV was later acquired by SONICblue, D&M Holdings and eventually the DIRECTV satellite TV service (www.directv.com).
Stand-Alone or Part of the Service
Using a phone line, the DVR can call a service provider and download the channel guide updates as well as software updates for the unit itself. DVRs are also built into TV sets, A/V receivers as well as satellite receivers and digital cable set-top boxes, the latter two offering the advantage of integrating DVR functions into the online program guide that users are familiar with. See live pause and DVD recorder.
ReplayTV
The ReplayTV unit and remote appear in front of the Find Shows screen, which enables a viewer to search for programming throughout the week by keyword. (Image courtesy of ReplayTV.)
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2008 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
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