What is a DVR?

A DVR (digital video recorder) is a device used to record broadcast TV, cable TV or satellite TV programming. Most digital video recorders use a hard drive for storing programming data. Some people might refer to a DVR as a PVR (personal video recorder). There are four main types of DVR's; a stand alone unit, a DVR that is integrated into a set top box provided by a cable or satellite TV company, portable DVR's and DVR's that are created using components and software in a computer.