This article helps you discover the differences among PVRs, DVD recorders and smart TV PVRs to assist you to pick the fittest digital TV recorder for yourself. How can I turn my TV into a smart one?
The videocassette recorders may be out-of-date, but that hasn’t prevented us from discovering new methods to record our favorite shows. There are now infinite alternatives to record TV than ever before and none of them need keeping a closet full of videotapes. This guide will help you pull up your choices and find the device that’s best satisfactory to your requirements.
Personal video recorders (PVRs)
PVRs are primary devices that allowed you to record from TV channels over a built-in hard drive. Here’s a swift categorization of everything you want to know.
- PVRs enable you to record many programs at once. In some instances as many as even while viewing another channel.
- All can record Full-HD TV.
- They have built-in EPG, which is where you determine what to watch and record.
- They have a built-in hard drive, normally 500GB to 1TB (1,000GB).
- A 500GB hard drive can contain 125 hours of HD footage and 250 hours of SD media.
- Some connect to the internet providing you access to catch-up and streaming apps, such as iPlayer.
Not all PVRs are created equal. Find one that looks and sounds great, and is easy to use.
DVD recorders
A DVD recorder records TV programs onto a recordable DVD disk. Nevertheless, a DVD can normally only carry within one to four hours of footage. If you’re planning to use it as your central TV-recording device then purchasing one with a built-in hard disk is the most reasonable choice.
These devices were popular for a time, but have witnessed a clear deterioration in the number accessible over the past ten years or so.
Pros:
- You can record TV programs for long-term accommodation
- You can distribute the recordings with family and friends
Cons:
- You can just record one program at a time
- Most DVD players can’t record HDTV
- Usually more complicated to use than PVRs
- Can only record Freeview channels
- Less in continuation now
PVR/DVD recorder
PVR/DVD recorder combines the hard disk storage capacity of a PVR – typically 250 hours, or 125 in HD – with the advantage to carry your personal recordings onto DVD if you want to retain them for a long time or distribute them with others. This is excellent if you want the most useful of both worlds but, much similar with DVD recorders, they’re something of a rareness now.
Pros:
- Comprehensive internal hard drive
- Can archive to DVD
Cons:
- Can usually only record one program at a time
- More difficult to use than a standalone PVR
- Very rare on the market
They’re usually more difficult to use than a good standalone PVR. So if both a PVR and a DVD recorder are needed, we would suggest buying two separate devices, except space is an issue.
How to turn your TV into a PVR
In some instances, you may not even require to buy a PVR. Some advanced smart TVs have a PVR capacity built-in. To make use of it you’ll require a USB hard-drive or memory stick, which then connects into one of the USB ports on the TV.
You’ll only be able to record broadcasts that are taken locally by the TV’s built-in Freeview or Freesat. That indicates it won’t be capable to record anything off of an external device like a Sky set-top box or an Amazon Fire TV Stick.
You’ll further be limited by the number of tuners built in to the TV. If it has just one then you’ll only be capable to record the same show that you’re watching. Two means you’ll be capable to watch one show while recording another. The upside, however, is that you’re not limited to the hard-drive size required upon you like when you purchase a standalone PVR and you can connect any sized drive you want, and they’re much more affordable too.
