PVRs: FAQs
What is a PVR?
A PVR (Personal Video Recorder) is a digital television hard disk recorder. You program it using on-screen TV listings, called an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) which makes it much easier to use than a video recorder.
There are no tapes or discs to worry about but it’s not suitable for long-term archiving of programmes as capacity is limited. This means you’ll need to delete programmes when the hard disk is full before you can record new ones.
PVRs suitable for use with Freeview, Sky and cable services are all available – the latter two services also produce PVRs suitable for recording high-definition TV shows.
But they're only for digital TV viewers as they don't record analogue programmes. If you only watch analogue TV and can't (or don't want to) make the switch to digital, a PVR is not for you.
Should I replace my VCR with a PVR?
If you just use your VCR to 'time-shift' – that is, record programmes to watch later – the answer is probably yes.
If you like to record programmes to watch again and again over the long term, it makes sense to keep your VCR too, as PVRs can only store a finite amount (usually about 80 hours) of recorded TV. Any recordings you want to keep permanently can be transferred from the PVR to a VCR or DVD recorder for safe-keeping.
Can a PVR really 'pause' live TV?
Yes, you can 'freeze' live TV if you're interrupted in the middle of a show. If the phone rings, for example, hit pause on your remote control and the PVR will start recording.
When you've finished your call, hit pause again and the PVR will start playing back from where you left off and – here's the clever bit – still continue to record the programme at the same time, so you don't miss anything.
In a similar way, you can usually start watching a programme before it's finished recording. You can use this to 'chase play' – start watching a show 10 minutes after it's started, skipping over any ads so that by the time the show's over you've 'caught up' with it in real time.
Can I buy any PVR?
No. The PVRs currently available are designed for specific TV platforms – that is either Sky, Virgin or Freeview depending on the type of digital television you receive.
For example, a PVR designed for use with Freeview will not work with cable or satellite systems – you must buy a PVR appropriate to the digital TV platform that you use. For Sky this is the Sky+ range of boxes and for cable this is the Virgin V+.
An integrated tuner will allow you to watch Freeview without a set top box
Can I get Freeview?
To check whether you live in an area that can receive Freeview, do a postcode check at www.freeview.co.uk. If Freeview is available in your area you can buy a Freeview PVR and save yourself the monthly expense of a cable or satellite based service. If not, your options are either the Sky+ PVR offered by SkyDigital or the TV-drive that’s suitable for cable services.
Can I use my PVR to record from radio too?
Yes – you can record from one of the many digital radio stations transmitted by SkyDigital, Virgin or Freeview.
Can I record audio description?
We’ve yet to see a PVR that can decode and record audio description. To record audio description a DVD recorder is your best option – but be aware that the AD track will be permanently recorded on to the disc.
Audio description is an additional narrative for the visually impaired that describes significant visual information – such as a change of scene or a new character entering a room. It’s found on many Freeview programmes and many new integrated digital TVs can decode the signal.
Can PVRs be 'updated'?
Unusually for a consumer product the PVR you buy may actually improve after you've bought it. Handily manufacturers can update the software inside your PVR via over-the-air broadcasts, using this technique to fix bugs or add additional features.
You can check for planned software updates for set-top boxes, IDTVs and PVRs on the Digital TV Group website.
How many tuners do I need?
A PVR that contains two digital tuners will let you record 1 channel while you watch another. Those with single tuners are only suitable if you already have a digital TV (IDTV) with its own built-in tuner – otherwise you’ll only be able to watch the same digital channel that your PVR is recording.
How much capacity do I need?
As a rule-of-thumb if you divide the size of the hard-disk in Gigabytes (GB) by two this will indicate the number of hours of TV recording you can fit on the disk. For example an 80GB disk will store 40 hours of TV, 160GB stores 80 hours etc.
What is Top-Up TV Anytime?
Top-Up TV offer an enhancement to the Freeview digital TV service. You'll need to buy their special PVR (£150) and pay a monthly fee (£9.99) but you'll gain access to selected programmes from other channels via their overnight download service.
Best for Families who want the most popular Kids and Entertainment channels without the dozens of other channels they may never watch. Good for people who want to keep track of their costs and don't want to be tied into a service.
You’ll get the 43 radio and TV channels offered by Freeview, plus selected programmes from 19 extra channels.
The good thing is that there's no tie-in period and set top box offers Freeview as well as PVR capability.
The bad thing is that as with Freeview, signals can be patchy and subject to interference. You might need to pay for an aerial upgrade. There's also a relatively high start up cost plus a monthly subscription and you can’t get premium channels such as Sky Sports and Sky movies.