Today, most cable and satellite providers offer set-top boxes that include DVRs as a premium add-on for customers, although a handful of companies still offer stand-alone units. You can record multiple shows at once and watch another show at the same time, or set recordings ahead of time. Even better, Wi-Fi isn’t necessary to use the technology, so you don’t have to worry about your Internet cutting out in the middle of recording a show.
Another disadvantage of DVR service is that hard drive space is limited. This means that shows may not record or previous recordings could be lost if the DVR is full. Many stand-alone DVR set-top boxes offer more storage space, but at a higher overall cost. And while many DVRs allow simultaneous recording, the number of shows you can record at once is limited. This becomes more problematic when more than one person is recording content, and a war over DVR space erupts.
These stand-alone boxes are a great option if your TV provider doesn’t offer DVR service, and may cost less over time depending on equipment leasing/service fees. A stand-alone set-top DVR unit can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000, with subscriptions averaging about $13 a month. Most units hold around 40 hours of programming; if you want more storage, the price will go up. While the upfront cost of a stand-alone DVR is higher than a leased unit from a TV provider, the investment may pay off over time. However, a stand-alone box is yet another device that will be front and present in your living room. This may cause an issue where space is tight.
Do I/my family watch a lot of TV? Do I/my family like a lot of different programing? Is it in my budget to have additional service fees? Is DVR service available through my television provider?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may want to consider buying or leasing a DVR. The convenience and practicality of the service is impeccable as it gives control back to customers. The ability to record future programming or even pause live TV is convenient, saving time and ensuring you don’t miss a second of your favorite show. Keep in mind that there is an investment that goes into both buying and leasing DVR units that needs to be justified, so you’ll want to be sure you’ll actually use it. Overall, most people who have DVR service love it and couldn’t imagine watching TV any other way. Do you love or loathe your DVR? Let us know what you think in the comments below.
