The History of Digital Video Recorders
Though technically a digital video recorder (DVR) is any device capable of recording digital video, the term is most widely used to denote a set-top box connected to a TV that stores selected television programming for future viewing, among other features. These devices have grown more popular each year since their debut in 1999.
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Beginnings
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DVRs were developed from the technology used by commercial television to record live programming, especially sporting events, and play it back as "instant replay." The first attempts to adapt and design this technology for home use were patented by Honeywell in 1985. As computer technology improved and evolved, largely due to smaller and more powerful chips, the modern DVR grew closer to being feasible for mass production.
First DVRs
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TiVo, founded in 1997, introduced the first DVR to the marketplace at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 1999 and shipped the first models to stores that March. Competitor Replay TV soon followed with its own DVR service. Early models had relatively limited capacity, allowing for only 10 to 14 hours of storage capability. Although TiVo licensed with DirecTV to use its DVR technology (DirecTiVo), DirecTV went on to later buy out Replay TV in 2007.
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Other Providers
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While TiVo and Replay TV required a receiver and subscription fee separate from the user's cable or satellite service, the major cable and satellite providers now offer DVR service integrated into their set-top receivers for an additional fee.
Upgrades
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DVRs have expanded greatly since their debut, both in capabilities and popularity. Dual tuners are now standard, allowing the user to record two different channels at once while watching a third recorded program. Many providers now offer remote programming via the Internet or mobile phone.
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References
- Photo Credit remote control image by Kelly Kane from Fotolia.com
