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Digital video recorder buying guide

By Philip Wong
October 26, 2007

Need a headstart on digital video recorder (DVR) basics to replace your dated VCR? Here's our step-by-step guide on everything you need to know, from the various genres available to recording quality and value-added functionality.

DVR buying guide

ť 1. Types of DVR
ť 2. Price parameter
ť 3. A/V recording modes

ť 4. DVD format compatibility
ť 5. Features explained
ť 6. Input/output connectivity

1. Types of digital video recorders

While VCRs record programs on oversized analog tapes, the new-generation DVRs perform the same task digitally using either DVDs or inbuilt hard drives. The latter is no different from those found in computers, though they generally come in sizes of 500GB capacity and lower. As a matter of fact, DVR can be loosely categorized into different genres based on their recording media as follows:

Personal video recorder

Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-USB2

Also known as PVRs, as the name implies, these are designed for personal recording in a computer-centric environment. These are normally offered as computer addons such as TV tuner cards and external boxes bundled with proprietary TV playback and recording software. The recorded clips are stored on the host's hard drive and encoded in formats which are usually incompatible with mainstream DVD players.

Some of the popular products under this category include Pinnacle PCTV and Hauppauge WinTV-PVR solutions. These will not be covered in detail for this guide as we will be focusing more on living room-oriented kits.

DVD recorder

Samsung DVD-R155

These are inexpensive entry-level models for proper home video recording shipped with internal DVD writers only. Since standard DVD is 4.8GB in capacity, regular disc swapping should be expected due to storage size limitation unlike its hard drive counterparts. Nonetheless, the latest entries now sport enhanced disc compatibility and are capable of recording on high-capacity 8.5GB Dual-Layers.

To maintain affordability, they have limited value-added features beyond the standard onboard multimedia playback. That said, these also come with basic video-editing functions which are near non-existent for the above-mentioned PVRs.

Hard drive recorder

Pioneer DVR-LX70

This is where things get a little more exciting thanks to an integrated hard drive (HDD) with capacity ranging from 80 to 500GB. Besides the obvious advantage of extended recording stamina, users can also initiate the "Chase Play" function. It allows a recording to be played back immediately without waiting for the program to end. Furthermore, some high-end models come with "Time Shift" capability which facilitates pause and instant reply of live TV broadcasts.

Connectivity-wise, they edge out their regular DVD equivalents with digital HDMI output and high-speed USB input. In addition, universal DVD compatibility is almost a given here for most, if not all, latest entries from reputable vendors.

DVR settop box

StarHub HubStation

Relatively new in Asia, these are very popular overseas with American's TiVo being almost synonymous to this genre worldwide. Simply referred to as STBs or settop boxes, these are outfitted with an onboard hard drive but lack a companion DVD writer. The omission permanently locks in recorded footages within the box with no archival or video-sharing options. "Time Shift" (more in detail later) is also standard in Asia, though it's not designed for video editing in mind.

Another advantage which simplifies recording is its EPG or Electronic Program Guide function. Unlike the usual manual programming, users can simply browse and select programs instead of entering the TV channel and schedule.

Price parameter »