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While videocassette recorders may have become obsolete, the quest for new means to capture our beloved programs persists. Presently, there exists an abundance of options for TV recording, none of which necessitate the hoarding of videotapes. This manual aims to elucidate your options and identify the device that aligns most closely with your needs.

Personal video recorders (PVRs)

PVRs represent the fundamental apparatuses enabling TV channel recording onto an integrated hard drive. Here’s a succinct breakdown of everything you need to understand:

1. PVRs offer the capability to record multiple programs simultaneously, with some even allowing this while concurrently watching another channel.
2. All PVRs support the recording of Full-HD TV content.
3. They feature a built-in Electronic Program Guide (EPG), facilitating the selection of programs for viewing and recording.
4. Equipped with a built-in hard drive, typically ranging from 500GB to 1TB (1,000GB) in capacity.
5. A 500GB hard drive can accommodate approximately 125 hours of HD footage or 250 hours of standard definition content.
6. Certain models connect to the internet, granting access to catch-up and streaming applications like iPlayer.

It’s imperative to recognize that not all PVRs are identical. Opt for one that boasts appealing aesthetics, impressive audio quality, and user-friendly operation. What is EPG?

DVD recorders

A DVD recorder functions by capturing TV programs onto a writable DVD disc. However, DVDs typically have a limited capacity, accommodating only one to four hours of content. If intending to employ it as the primary TV recording apparatus, acquiring one with an integrated hard drive proves to be the most sensible option.

While once popular, these devices have experienced a notable decline in availability over the past decade or so.

Advantages:

1. Enables long-term archiving of TV programs.
2. Facilitates sharing recordings with family and friends.

Disadvantages:

1. Limited to recording one program at a time.
2. Most DVD recorders cannot capture high-definition TV content.
3. Often more complex to operate compared to PVRs.
4. Restricted to recording Freeview channels.
5. Decreased prevalence in recent times.

PVR/DVD recorder

PVR/DVD recorder amalgamates the ample hard disk storage capacity of a PVR—typically 250 hours, or 125 in high definition—with the added capability of transferring personal recordings onto DVD for long-term retention or sharing with others. This offers the best of both worlds; however, akin to DVD recorders, they have become somewhat scarce in the current market.

Pros:

1. Extensive internal hard drive capacity.
2. Ability to archive recordings onto DVD.

Cons:

1. Typically limited to recording one program at a time.
2. More complex to operate compared to standalone PVRs.
3. Rarely found in the market.

These devices tend to be more challenging to operate than standalone PVRs. Therefore, if both a PVR and a DVD recorder are required, it is advisable to purchase separate devices unless space constraints necessitate a combined unit.

How to turn your TV into a PVR

Some advanced smart TVs come equipped with built-in PVR functionality, eliminating the need for a separate PVR purchase. To utilize this feature, a USB hard drive or memory stick is required, which can be connected to one of the USB ports on the TV.

However, the recording capability is restricted to broadcasts received locally by the TV’s integrated Freeview or Freesat. This means it cannot record content from external devices such as a Sky set-top box or an Amazon Fire TV Stick.

Additionally, the number of tuners integrated into the TV determines the recording capabilities. A single tuner allows recording of the currently viewed program only, while two tuners enable simultaneous viewing and recording of different shows. One advantage of this setup is the absence of limitations on hard drive size imposed by standalone PVRs. Users can connect any size of drive they prefer, and these drives are often more cost-effective as well.

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