About Cable DVRs

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By Amanda K.
eHow Contributing Writer

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About Cable DVRs

Because DVR services like TiVo often carry a subscription, cable companies have recently been able to offer DVR services as part of a bundled service plan to help consumers save money. Many modern cable service providers, including Cox, Bright House, Comcast, and more offer their own brand of DVR with different features.

Function

DVRs that are hooked up directly to cable work a little differently than PC-based or broadcast-based DVR recorders. Since cable signals are more complex than analog signals and broadcast digital signals, there is a need for different transmission methods. The video streams are usually encrypted, so a cable set-top DVR must decrypt the signal. The DVR also decodes the video stream into an analog, DVI or HDMI signal.

Significance

Cable DVRs are becoming more popular. Because a cable-based DVR works with your existing cable set-top box, and does not require any extra hardware, many consumers find it immediately preferable to an extra set-top box for DVR, which is one of the largest reasons for its early success.

Considerations

When considering a cable DVR service, there are several things to keep in mind. It is very important to contact a cable representative and get information on all of the fees associated with the service. Make sure to ask about any hardware, access, and installation fees in addition to monthly service fees. Is is also important to make sure that your existing cable subscription is compatible with a DVR service (certain basic cable packages are not).

Benefits

In addition to the benefits of having a DVR service, cable-based DVRs have many specific benefits. One of the most immediate benefits is that cable-based DVR service allows you to bundle your DVR subscription service with your cable bill, which can saved money. Cable-based DVRs are also much more user-friendly than third-party DVRs, as it works with your existing digital cable structure.

Warning

Although using a cable-based DVR has many benefits, it is important to get all the information about the DVR service before signing up. Many times, cable companies will offer "teaser" subscription fees that can change once you have had the service for awhile. Make sure to read the fine print on any service contract before committing to any length of service.