Back when I was in college, I remember reading about a new concept in a technology magazine. It was called a digital video recorder and it would store hours' worth of television shows on a digital hard drive without the need for cassette tapes.
I loved the idea of something like this. I always found myself short on tapes, and hated to erase things I'd previously recorded. I would also have a hard time finding certain shows within the tapes, as fast forwarding and rewinding was always a hassle. The advent of the DVR would solve both of these problems.
Suddenly, I wouldn't have to worry about sticking a VHS tape into my VCR any time I wasn't around. And even better, I wouldn't have to worry about buying more tapes. The picture quality would be better (digital), and I'd even be able to skip through commercials. Skipping through commercials may have lost its novelty now, but it was a big deal at the time.
This all seemed too good to be true, but the first units sold for $1,000 before dropping in price by several hundred dollars during the next year or two. Finally, I was inspired to buy one and couldn't wait to try it out. I loved it, and the only nuisance was the fact that I'd need to dial in to update the program listings.
Other than this, it essentially worked just as it does now, only it'd hold a few hours at a time.
The concept of DVR has evolved since then, and it even comes standard with many cable boxes out there. The recording capacity is much stronger than it used to be and the quality continues to improve.
It seems like it's been ages since the DVR was introduced, but it really hasn't been so long. Still, like cell phones and other recent inventions, it's hard to imagine life without it.
As I finish writing this article, I'm getting ready to curl up by the fireplace and watch my favorite recorded show. I wouldn't be able to do this without my DVR. - 29967
I loved the idea of something like this. I always found myself short on tapes, and hated to erase things I'd previously recorded. I would also have a hard time finding certain shows within the tapes, as fast forwarding and rewinding was always a hassle. The advent of the DVR would solve both of these problems.
Suddenly, I wouldn't have to worry about sticking a VHS tape into my VCR any time I wasn't around. And even better, I wouldn't have to worry about buying more tapes. The picture quality would be better (digital), and I'd even be able to skip through commercials. Skipping through commercials may have lost its novelty now, but it was a big deal at the time.
This all seemed too good to be true, but the first units sold for $1,000 before dropping in price by several hundred dollars during the next year or two. Finally, I was inspired to buy one and couldn't wait to try it out. I loved it, and the only nuisance was the fact that I'd need to dial in to update the program listings.
Other than this, it essentially worked just as it does now, only it'd hold a few hours at a time.
The concept of DVR has evolved since then, and it even comes standard with many cable boxes out there. The recording capacity is much stronger than it used to be and the quality continues to improve.
It seems like it's been ages since the DVR was introduced, but it really hasn't been so long. Still, like cell phones and other recent inventions, it's hard to imagine life without it.
As I finish writing this article, I'm getting ready to curl up by the fireplace and watch my favorite recorded show. I wouldn't be able to do this without my DVR. - 29967
About the Author:
In addition to technology, this author likes to write about the electric fireplace insert and fireplace fans.
