• A DVR allows you to record TV shows without using videotape.remote control image by Fantasista from Fotolia.com
  
  The digital video recorder was a big technological advancement for those who like to record TV shows. The DVR took the place of tape-based VHS recorders, allowing users to record several shows at once and store hours' worth of recorded video at a time. Since the DVR technology is still relatively new to consumers, common questions frequently arise.
  
  

How Does DVR Technology Work?

• A digital video recorder comes as a stand-alone unit or a unit combined with your cable box. The DVR records television shows you select onto a hard drive without interrupting the live TV you are watching. The DVR comes with interactive software that enables you to find and record TV shows as well as watch prerecorded programs.
  
  

How Much Can a DVR Record?

• How many hours of TV a DVR can record depends on the type of unit you purchase. For example, the TiVo Premier DVR recorder can record two television shows at once, up to 48 hours of recording a day. Other DVR devices may let you record just one show at a time.
  
  

How Much Can a DVR Store?

• How many hours of TV your DVR can store is dependent on two things: the unit itself and the recording-quality settings you select. On average, a DVR can store 100 hours of standard TV. DVRs that record high-definition programming store much less due to the higher resolution of HD. HD DVR units typically store about 30 hours of TV. You can raise the amount of stored TV by lowering your quality settings, which will give you up to 200 more hours of storage space.
  
  

Are There High Maintenance Costs?

• Digital video recorders use hard drives to store the video captured by the recorder. Hard drives have a long shelf life and require little maintenance, making the DVR a mostly maintenance-free device. While some repair may be needed if the DVR is mistreated, no regular maintenance is required.