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Greg_R · 11-22-2002, 04:52 PM

This post is meant to discuss PVR hardware and services. There are frequent changes to available hardware and recording software so it's important to do your own research after reading this document. Having said that, here's info on PVRs....

What is PVR?

PVR stands for Personal Video Recorder.

A PVR is a device that allows you to record content onto a hard drive and play it back at a later time. These devices sit between your source (cable tv, dish, satellite, etc.) and your TV. Well known PVRs include TiVo, ReplayTV, DishPVR, & UltimateTV.

In addition to recording programs to watch later (known as "time shifting"), PVRs also feature advanced menus of program material which allows you more options in what you'd like to record (for example you can tell it to record all Clint Eastwood Westerns or every first run episode of a favorite TV program). Depending on the unit, you are also able to watch things it recorded previously or watch TV while other channels are being recorded. A PVR also has the ability to skip commercials in prerecorded material with a single button, and some PVR units buffer the live TV feed to the hard drive giving you the ability to "pause live TV" or even rewind during a live broadcast. The show will continue to record but you can jump to any spot in the recording, watch the segment, and then jump back.

In order to access the more advanced PVR features, a membership fee is usually required (sometimes DirectTiVo service include the PVR functionality in the package price). Most companies offer a lifetime membership in addition to monthly membership fees.

A PVR dramatically changes the way you watch TV. Personally, I have all the shows I like to watch set up for recording. When I feel like watching TV, I go to my recordings and watch the program of my choice (fast forwarding through commercials of course). Having a PVR unit means that any time you sit down to watch TV, there is always something good available for you to watch!

How do PVRs compare with VCRs?

VCR records onto a tape which can be removed and stored and can only store a few hours of content. A PVR records onto a hard drive which, depending on the model, can store 100s of hours of programming.

A VCR requires no membership fees, PVRs have monthly charges (or lifetime memberships).

To record on a VCR, you must know where and when a program occurs (or the VCRplus code). With a PVR, you are able to browse all upcoming features (by title, genre, time, actor/actress, etc.) for the next few weeks and select the programs you wish to record. A PVR also has the ability to record all instances of a particular show or it can be limited to first runs.

Additionally, a PVR can guess what you might like to watch (based on your viewing habits) and record that show (this feature can be turned off).

A PVR is able to record while playing back a previously recorded program- a VCR cannot do this.

A PVR as part of a satelite system like DirecTiVo (described below) and Dish PVR can also record premium soundtracks like Dolby Digital. VCR's can only record the 2 channel soundtrack.

PVRs also allow you to time delay programming (see above for description). The video quality of a PVR can also be better than a VCR, depending on the encoding options selected.

Finally, when recording you have the option of 'padding' the program by a few minutes (start early and finish late) in case the network is lax in their start/stop times.

Which PVR should I buy / what is available?

There are many choices in terms of models and brands but there are four main services: TiVo, ReplayTV, DishPVR, & Microsoft's UltimateTV. Each service differs with respect to program selection, cost, & connectivity. There is also the free option using a computer which will be described below. You should read the links in the 'more PVR info' section before making a purchase decision. Below, I'll highlight the major differences (I've ignored discontinued models).

TiVo: Cost is $13/mo or $250 lifetime. TiVo does not have a web browser or other internet applications. The video connection is S-video, composite, or RF and units do not come with a digital audio connection. Standard connection for TiVo program guide updates is a built-in dial up modem. TiVo takes an incoming video stream and encodes it via MPEG onto the hard drive. The largest TiVo can hold up to 80 hours of program content. TiVo also automatically buffers the current program for up to 30 minutes (i.e. past 30 minutes are always available).

There are also DirecTiVo units which combine a DirecTV receiver (dish) with a TiVo. These units can only record DirecTV, have two tuners and a digital audio connection and are further described in the section entitled "How is DirecTiVo different than a regular TiVo?".

ReplayTV: Cost is $10/mo or $250 lifetime. ReplayTV has the same connections as a TiVo but also includes a VGA video output (the 5000 series has progressive output), a digital audio connection, and an Ethernet jack. ReplayTV allows you to set up recordings over the web and each model can share data with similar models on the same LAN (i.e. all 4500 series can see each other and play shows recorded on the other box). ReplayTV will sort your recorded shows by category and buffers as many minutes of the currently viewed program that you want (up to space constraints). Maximum storage for the largest unit is 320 hours. Finally, ReplayTV has the ability to skip commercials (different than fast forwarding through them). Although it has a digital audio output, it will not record digital audio (i.e. DD 5.1) and will only output PCM streams.

DishPVR: Cost depends on the programming package you choose. The basic DishPVR is a 30 hour recorder with SVideo and Toslink outputs. The more advanced unit is a 90 hour recorder with dual-tuners and picture-in-picture features. Basic features like pausing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding programming are all included.

UltimateTV: Cost is $10/mo and includes 3 hours of internet access. For an additional $20/mo you can get unlimited internet access (or use your ISP for $5/mo). UltimateTV is a Microsoft product and integrates WebTV with a PVR and DirecTV unit. The unit will only work with DirecTV as a source (like DirecTiVo). Video output is S-video, composite, or RF. Audio output is digital audio (Toslink) or analog RCAs. The unit also includes printer and USB ports for additional functionality. The largest unit can store up to 70 hours of content. Internet connectivity is via phone jack. Unfortunately new UltimateTV units are not available (but the service is). However, there are rumors of a version 2 UltimateTV so I'm including it in the FAQ.

Build it yourself (HTPC): With a huge hard drive array and a capture card, you are able to record video streams using your home computer. There are web sites that contain program data which allow you to set up a recording on your capture card / tuner. The amount of recording is only limited by the available disc space. Additionally, you are able to record any type of content (including HD if you have a HD tuner card). Time delay and other features are available but functionality is not as smooth as a set top box, but the options and solutions are growing everyday. Both HTF and AVS forum have HTPC areas... AVS's is very active and has a lot of FAQs and help for you to get started. Strong knowledge of computers is highly recommended!

How is DirecTiVo different than a regular TiVo?

A DirecTiVo does NOT include a MPEG encoder (since DirecTV is already broadcast in that format)-- it simply captures the incoming digital stream directly from the dish feed to the internal hard drive for playback later. This means that you are NOT able to record other external video sources with a DirecTiVo (a regular TiVo will record external video sources). The DirecTiVo units also have a digital audio connection (Toslink) and will save digital audio streams (like a DD 5.1 from a HBO movie) directly from the DirecTV feed (a regular TiVo does not offer this feature).

If you subscribe to DirecTV's premium service, the TiVo service is free. Otherwise it is $5/mo (you can no longer get a lifetime TiVo membership with DirecTiVo). If you have multiple DirecTiVo receivers, the TiVo cost does not increase (note: These fees do not include the DirecTV service itself). DirecTiVo also allows you to record 2 shows at the same time (if you have dual LNBs on the dish), even if you're watching another recorded program (a very nice feature).

Can a PVR record HD content?

Currently, commercial units do not record HD streams due to the large amount of drive space a recording consumes and the lack of affordable encoders that can compress the HD video stream. Using a HTPC, you are able to record HD content if you have a HD tuner card in the computer and appropriate software. The computer cannot compress the stream in real time so the raw video is recorded. This means the files takes up a very large quantity of disc space.

What happens if I let my membership fees lapse?

You are still able to view live TV and make manual recordings. However, advanced menu features (search, timed recording, etc.) are not available.

My TiVo can only store 30 hours. Can I increase the capacity? Can I stream video off the unit onto my home network?

There are many well documented ways to hack these units. Any opening of the case will void the warranty, so consider hacking an "at your own risk" endeavor. Info can be found on the TiVo forums listed below.

Where can I go for more PVR information?

- An excellent source for TiVo / ReplayTV / UltimateTV comparisons
- Another detailed comparison between ReplayTV and TiVo:
- ReplayTV FAQ
- TiVo forums (inc FAQs)
- AVS HTPC forum
- A sat forum with additional areas specifically for PVR.

11-22-2002, 04:52 PM
Greg_R Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Local Time: 11:44 AM Local Date: 08-29-2008 Posts: 2,125	This post is meant to discuss PVR hardware and services. There are frequent changes to available hardware and recording software so it's important to do your own research after reading this document. Having said that, here's info on PVRs.... What is PVR? PVR stands for *Personal Video Recorder. A PVR is a device that allows you to record content onto a hard drive and play it back at a later time. These devices sit between your source (cable tv, dish, satellite, etc.) and your TV. Well known PVRs include TiVo, ReplayTV, DishPVR, & UltimateTV. In addition to recording programs to watch later (known as "time shifting"), PVRs also feature advanced menus of program material which allows you more options in what you'd like to record (for example you can tell it to record all Clint Eastwood Westerns or every first run episode of a favorite TV program). Depending on the unit, you are also able to watch things it recorded previously or watch TV while other channels are being recorded. A PVR also has the ability to skip commercials in prerecorded material with a single button, and some PVR units buffer the live TV feed to the hard drive giving you the ability to "pause live TV" or even rewind during a live broadcast. The show will continue to record but you can jump to any spot in the recording, watch the segment, and then jump back. In order to access the more advanced PVR features, a membership fee is usually required (sometimes DirectTiVo service include the PVR functionality in the package price). Most companies offer a lifetime membership in addition to monthly membership fees. A PVR dramatically* changes the way you watch TV. Personally, I have all the shows I like to watch set up for recording. When I feel like watching TV, I go to my recordings and watch the program of my choice (fast forwarding through commercials of course). Having a PVR unit means that any time you sit down to watch TV, there is always something good available for you to watch! How do PVRs compare with VCRs? VCR records onto a tape which can be removed and stored and can only store a few hours of content. A PVR records onto a hard drive which, depending on the model, can store 100s of hours of programming. A VCR requires no membership fees, PVRs have monthly charges (or lifetime memberships). To record on a VCR, you must know where and when a program occurs (or the VCRplus code). With a PVR, you are able to browse all upcoming features (by title, genre, time, actor/actress, etc.) for the next few weeks and select the programs you wish to record. A PVR also has the ability to record all instances of a particular show or it can be limited to first runs. Additionally, a PVR can guess what you might like to watch (based on your viewing habits) and record that show (this feature can be turned off). A PVR is able to record while playing back a previously recorded program- a VCR cannot do this. A PVR as part of a satelite system like DirecTiVo (described below) and Dish PVR can also record premium soundtracks like Dolby Digital. VCR's can only record the 2 channel soundtrack. PVRs also allow you to time delay programming (see above for description). The video quality of a PVR can also be better than a VCR, depending on the encoding options selected. Finally, when recording you have the option of 'padding' the program by a few minutes (start early and finish late) in case the network is lax in their start/stop times. Which PVR should I buy / what is available? There are many choices in terms of models and brands but there are four main services: TiVo, ReplayTV, DishPVR, & Microsoft's UltimateTV. Each service differs with respect to program selection, cost, & connectivity. There is also the free option using a computer which will be described below. You should read the links in the 'more PVR info' section before making a purchase decision. Below, I'll highlight the major differences (I've ignored discontinued models). TiVo: Cost is $13/mo or $250 lifetime. TiVo does not have a web browser or other internet applications. The video connection is S-video, composite, or RF and units do not come with a digital audio connection. Standard connection for TiVo program guide updates is a built-in dial up modem. TiVo takes an incoming video stream and encodes it via MPEG onto the hard drive. The largest TiVo can hold up to 80 hours of program content. TiVo also automatically buffers the current program for up to 30 minutes (i.e. past 30 minutes are always available). There are also DirecTiVo units which combine a DirecTV receiver (dish) with a TiVo. These units can only record DirecTV, have two tuners and a digital audio connection and are further described in the section entitled "How is DirecTiVo different than a regular TiVo?". ReplayTV: Cost is $10/mo or $250 lifetime. ReplayTV has the same connections as a TiVo but also includes a VGA video output (the 5000 series has progressive output), a digital audio connection, and an Ethernet jack. ReplayTV allows you to set up recordings over the web and each model can share data with similar models on the same LAN (i.e. all 4500 series can see each other and play shows recorded on the other box). ReplayTV will sort your recorded shows by category and buffers as many minutes of the currently viewed program that you want (up to space constraints). Maximum storage for the largest unit is 320 hours. Finally, ReplayTV has the ability to skip commercials (different than fast forwarding through them). Although it has a digital audio output, it will not record digital audio (i.e. DD 5.1) and will only output PCM streams. DishPVR: Cost depends on the programming package you choose. The basic DishPVR is a 30 hour recorder with SVideo and Toslink outputs. The more advanced unit is a 90 hour recorder with dual-tuners and picture-in-picture features. Basic features like pausing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding programming are all included. UltimateTV: Cost is $10/mo and includes 3 hours of internet access. For an additional $20/mo you can get unlimited internet access (or use your ISP for $5/mo). UltimateTV is a Microsoft product and integrates WebTV with a PVR and DirecTV unit. The unit will only work with DirecTV as a source (like DirecTiVo). Video output is S-video, composite, or RF. Audio output is digital audio (Toslink) or analog RCAs. The unit also includes printer and USB ports for additional functionality. The largest unit can store up to 70 hours of content. Internet connectivity is via phone jack. Unfortunately new UltimateTV units are not available (but the service is). However, there are rumors of a version 2 UltimateTV so I'm including it in the FAQ. Build it yourself (HTPC): With a huge hard drive array and a capture card, you are able to record video streams using your home computer. There are web sites that contain program data which allow you to set up a recording on your capture card / tuner. The amount of recording is only limited by the available disc space. Additionally, you are able to record any type of content (*including HD if you have a HD tuner card). Time delay and other features are available but functionality is not as smooth as a set top box, but the options and solutions are growing everyday. Both HTF and AVS forum have HTPC areas... AVS's is very active and has a lot of FAQs and help for you to get started. Strong knowledge of computers is highly recommended! How is DirecTiVo different than a regular TiVo?* A DirecTiVo does NOT include a MPEG encoder (since DirecTV is already broadcast in that format)-- it simply captures the incoming digital stream directly from the dish feed to the internal hard drive for playback later. This means that you are NOT able to record other external video sources with a DirecTiVo (a regular TiVo will record external video sources). The DirecTiVo units also have a digital audio connection (Toslink) and will save digital audio streams (like a DD 5.1 from a HBO movie) directly from the DirecTV feed (a regular TiVo does not offer this feature). If you subscribe to DirecTV's premium service, the TiVo service is free. Otherwise it is $5/mo (you can no longer get a lifetime TiVo membership with DirecTiVo). If you have multiple DirecTiVo receivers, the TiVo cost does not increase (note: These fees do not include the DirecTV service itself). DirecTiVo also allows you to record 2 shows at the same time (if you have dual LNBs on the dish), even if you're watching another recorded program (a very nice feature). Can a PVR record HD content? Currently, commercial units do not record HD streams due to the large amount of drive space a recording consumes and the lack of affordable encoders that can compress the HD video stream. Using a HTPC, you are able to record HD content if you have a HD tuner card in the computer and appropriate software. The computer cannot compress the stream in real time so the raw video is recorded. This means the files takes up a very large quantity of disc space. What happens if I let my membership fees lapse? You are still able to view live TV and make manual recordings. However, advanced menu features (search, timed recording, etc.) are not available. My TiVo can only store 30 hours. Can I increase the capacity? Can I stream video off the unit onto my home network? There are many well documented ways to hack these units. Any opening of the case will void the warranty, so consider hacking an "at your own risk" endeavor. Info can be found on the TiVo forums listed below. Where can I go for more PVR information? - An excellent source for TiVo / ReplayTV / UltimateTV comparisons - Another detailed comparison between ReplayTV and TiVo: - ReplayTV FAQ - TiVo forums (inc FAQs) - AVS HTPC forum - A sat forum with additional areas specifically for PVR. Greg My DVD Collection