Motion pictures are now captured in very innovative ways thanks to the revolution brought by the invention of the digital video recorder. We no longer have to use magnetic tape to shoot a film; plus, any amateur now has access to video recording. Everybody seems to be able to shoot videos since digital cameras are now incorporated in PDAs, smart phones or regular cellulars. Is there anything special about a DVR or digital video recorder?

Well, first of all the digital video recorder replaces the older video camera recorder or VCR by its capacity to record motion pictures directly on a high-capacity hardware drive disk. The mode of operation and the storage technology have changed a lot. Then, typically a digital video recorder can record in 1 hour, 2 hour, 4 or 6 hour mode with a higher or lower impact on the image quality. Time-shifting makes one other important DVR feature worthy mentioning.

The digital video recorder records a certain TV program to be watched at some point in the future. This feature is enabled by the use of the hard-drive that requires no tape for the recording process. Thus, you can leave the room, pause a program and let the DVR to record it for you, and when you come back you can watch it from whichever moment you choose. Yet, the digital video recorder will continue to record regardless of what you are watching. This is the most illustrative example of time shifting.

Make sure you follow the programming guide carefully, so that you operate the device well. Depending on the design of the DVR, interactive menus are available, and they allow the user to select an entire season of recording for a certain show. Look into the customization feature to know what to take advantage of. And the operation of the digital video recorder is pretty basic, as almost no technical skills are needed.

The DVR will normally include a section with all the saved programs that you can view at any time you want. You just have to navigate through the saved programs and select something to watch. The rewinding and fast-forward features resemble those of the DVD player. More complex video digital recorder designs can record one program while you are watching another, yet, most consumers still use the one tuner model that records only the channel that you are on.