A digital video recorder (DVR) or personal video recorder (PVR) is a piece of equipment that uses digital technology to record and time-shift television programmes. By recording programmes to a hard disc drive you are able to choose any programme to watch without having to find the right tape and then fast forwarding until the programme is finally found as was common with video tapes.

The first digital video recorders in use were almost certainly PC used by computer enthusiasts to record television programmes directly to hard disc for later viewing. Since that first idea, computer software and hardware has improved, leading to a number of commercial DVR software solutions for general purpose computers.

Initially computers were not powerful enough to allow many of the features we take for granted when considering a digital video recorder. For instance many early PC based system were unable to record a programme while playing back another, or record two programmes at once. As the technology improved, so the features of DVR systems improved and people found new ways to watch television.

The whole reason for the invention of the video tape recorder was for time shifting, the ability to watch a programme originally shown at one time at another time. Digital video recorders take this to another level by allowing the user to record a programme but start watching it before it has finished. Many seasoned DVR users will start watching a programme a while after the broadcast begins, to allow fast forwarding through the commercial breaks.

Most digital video recorders on the market have 2 or more tuners, allowing them to record two programmes at once, or allow watching TV at the same time as recording a programme. Similarly the software has vastly improved if you want to make your own DVR. With Windows Media Centre for Windows and MythTV for Linux, you can convert your PC into a complete entertainment system, sporting all of the features of a top of the range personal video recorder.
If however, you want a system that just works; a digital video recorder is the obvious and inexpensive option.