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.
The concept of recording an entire series without having to manually set it up each time was even more amazing to me. I could be out at night without having to worry about forgetting to record my favorite shows. I could also watch two things at once if there was a conflicting schedule.
If I was out at night for dinner, I could come home and watch my favorite shows a few hours after they were originally broadcast. I wouldn't need to worry about a tape running out of room, or having to buy new ones.
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.
It seems like just about everyone has a DVR these days. Many cable companies offer them directly as part of the package. Others have standalone Tivo units. They're stronger, faster, and of better quality than ever before.
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. - 30542
The concept of recording an entire series without having to manually set it up each time was even more amazing to me. I could be out at night without having to worry about forgetting to record my favorite shows. I could also watch two things at once if there was a conflicting schedule.
If I was out at night for dinner, I could come home and watch my favorite shows a few hours after they were originally broadcast. I wouldn't need to worry about a tape running out of room, or having to buy new ones.
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.
It seems like just about everyone has a DVR these days. Many cable companies offer them directly as part of the package. Others have standalone Tivo units. They're stronger, faster, and of better quality than ever before.
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. - 30542
About the Author:
In addition to technology, this writer likes to write about the electric fireplace insert and fireplace fans.
