How to Get a Digital Video Recorder

Digital video recorders (DVRs)--those mysterious black boxes with names such as TiVo, DirecTV DVR with TiVo, Sony Digital Network Recorder, UltimateTV and ReplayTV--have a devoted following for a reason: They let the viewer take control of the viewing. DVRs record TV programs onto a hard disk, rather than tape, so you can store, start, stop and erase them at the touch of a button.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Decide if you want a generic or subscription-based DVR. Generic models are programmed like a VCR: You choose the channel and the viewing time after looking up a show in the newspaper. Subscription- based DVRs have a user-friendly onscreen program guide, but you must pay a monthly or lifetime fee to use the services.
2. Choose between a monthly fee and a onetime charge if you decide on a subscription-based DVR. The onetime charge is a better deal in the long run; the service can be transferred to the new owner if you sell or give away the DVR.
3. Compare the features of each subscription-based DVR's program guide. With an interactive list of upcoming programs, it selects the shows you want to record by title, genre, actor or other features. Try the program guide at a store or a friend's house to see if it makes sense for your TV viewing.
4. Compare prices. Subscription-based DVRs run from $250 up to $1,000, depending on the size of the machine's hard disk. The subscription service can cost $200 to $400 (a onetime fee) or $6 to $15 per month. The lowest prices are available through package deals with satellite or cable companies; see Step 8.
5. Decipher the remote. Pausing live TV, doing instant replays, fast-forwarding, or creating the David Hasselhoff Channel is fun only if you know how to work the remote.
6. Make sure you have a phone line available: Subscription-based DVRs regularly connect to their service provider to update their software and programming information. Some newer DVRs connect via the Internet if you have a broadband connection (the DVR uses your home network; see How to Network Your Computers).
7. Get the most recording time you can afford. A gigabyte of disk space will store about an hour of programming at the lowest quality recording; that same hour recorded at the highest quality will use about 4 gigabytes of storage. Most DVRs have four recording quality settings. The listed capacity (usually 40 and 80 hours but some go up to 160 hours) on a DVR is most likely at the lowest-quality setting.
8. Look into package deals. Some satellite and cable TV companies sell bundled TV service with DVRs at reduced subscription fees (see How to Choose Between Cable and Satellite TV).

What to Look For:

• Generic or subscription-based
• Monthly fee versus onetime charge
• Onscreen program guide
• Remote control
• Phone or broadband Internet connection
• Disk size
• Package deals with cable or satellite TV

Tips & Warnings

• DVRs are fast becoming Internet-enabled. On some models you can adjust your programming choices online; others let you share recorded videos over the Net.
• You can copy programs from DVR to videotape--handy when your disk fills up (and it will).
• If your entertainment center is tight for space, you can find combination DVR-DVD players on the market.