• But what was wrong with the VCR?
• Surely there are some negatives too?
• Types of Hard Disk Video Recorder
• A Closer Look: Personal Video Recorders (PVRs)
• A Closer Look: DVD/HDD recorders
• The Future of HDD/DVD in Australia

Types of Hard Disk Video Recorder

There are generally three types of hard disk recorders on the market at the moment.

Personal Video Recorders (PVRs): These systems generally combine a digital set top box (STB) with a hard disk drive. They are good as they provide both the advantages of digital television and recording in one box. Some also offer the ability to record High Definition content, but there's generally no DVD recorder. Foxtel IQ is also an example of a high-end PVR.

HDD/DVD recorders: These systems provide both a hard disk recorder and a DVD recorder in one. Some only include analogue tuners, but most models on the Australian market include at least one, and often two HD digital tuners. These units are good as they provide an easy method for creating backup copies of recordings.

Media Centre PCs: A third kind of system is the Media Centre PC. These are quite different to the former types, and are far more expensive. They typically offer all the features that make the first two units good (digital tuners and DVD recorders), plus the addition of a fully capable computer. For more information on these systems, see our Media Centre buying guide.