Once your TV goes digital, you can still use your traditional VCR, but you will only be able to record the channel you are watching. This is because traditional video recorders contain a receiver to record a separate channel to the one that you are watching, but this receiver can only receive analogue signals, and won't work after switchover.
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The solution comes with the Personal Video Recorder (PVR). A PVR allows you to record, pause and rewind digital TV. If you want to watch one channel and record another, or record something when you're out and about, then a PVR is the best bit of kit for you.
Much like a computer, a PVR has a hard disk which stores the programmes you record, so you can watch them at your own leisure. The PVR also gets rid of the need to buy and store any video cassettes, saving you money and freeing up space.
The hard drives on PVRs will determine how many programmes you can store on the PVR memory. Different PVRs have different functions and features. For instance, some PVRs have a function called a “twin tuner” which will allow you to record two channels at the same time, whilst you watch a third one. And there are some PVRs which allow you to pause and rewind live TV, so you don't miss a moment of the action.
| Device |
Hours of programs |
| Virgin Media V+ Box |
80 hours |
| Sky+ Box |
40 hours |
| Sky HD Box |
80 hours |
| Tiscali T+ Box |
50 hours |
| Top Up TV Box |
120 hours |
| BT Vision V Box |
80 hours |
Many PVRs also allow you to record a whole series at the touch of a button. Trust us, a PVR will change the way you watch TV forever!
If you have any more questions on PVRs and recording digital TV, then you can speak to our digital experts who just love PVRs! Or to find the best digtial deal online, simply use our online digital comparison tool.