What you need to know about DVRs and video recorders

A downside to DVRs is that capacity is limited by the size of the drive, so it’s not a good way to archive programs indefinitely. When the disc is full, you’ll have to delete programs or copy them onto a DVD to free up space. Also, you can’t easily share recordings with friends and family as you can with a DVD.

You can get a standalone DVR or one that's integrated into a digital-cable box or satellite-TV receiver. Depending on the type you choose, you might pay for the service and the equipment, either a one-time charge or a monthly fee on top of your cable or satellite-TV bill.

Because they can record and play at the same time, DVRs allow you to pause the show you’re watching, then pick up where you left off. If you pause a show at the beginning and wait 10 minutes or so, you can skip the commercials and catch up to the "live" broadcast by the end of the program. You can also rewind or fast forward. Dual-tuner models can record one show as you watch another, or record two programs as you watch a third previously recorded program.

Many digital video recorders offer recording capability with the convenience of a TV program guide customized for the broadcast channels in your area or the cable or satellite service you have.

If you get your DVR functionality in a digital-cable box leased from your cable company, you’re typically limited to the cable operator’s choice of hardware. For hard-drive recording in a satellite receiver, you might be able to buy or lease the hardware from Dish Network or DirecTV, or buy it from a retailer.

For stand-alone DVRs, TiVo is the main service provider. Hardware prices depend on whether the unit is an HD or SD unit and the number of hours of programming the drive can store. Service charges vary. You can buy TiVo equipment directly from TiVo or from electronics retailers. Basic models start at about $150. TiVo HD runs about $300 and can record up to 20 hours of HD content. Some TiVo units are free when you sign up for service at $13 per month; longer terms lower the monthly cost. Other promotional deals are sometimes available. Some cable and satellite companies use TiVo technology in their private-labeled recorders.

The services from TiVo have more features and functionality than some of the offerings of cable and satellite companies. But it means that you'll have another box to connect to your TV and another monthly fee.