Alternatives to DVR

• DVR is not the only option for recording television programs. ULTRA.F/Photodisc/Getty Images

  A digital video recorder (DVR) allows users to record their favorite television programs. While VCRs used VHS tapes to record programs, a DVR uses a digital process, recording programs onto an internal drive. The digital method provides a clear picture and makes it easy to delete old programs without degrading the quality of the next recording. TiVo, the best known DVR, can be expensive, so finding alternatives may prove helpful.

Digital Cable Box

• Companies like Comcast offer digital recording along with television services. cable connection image by Michael Shake from Fotolia.com

  Cable companies, such as Rogers Communication in Canada, offer Personal Video Recorders (PVR). Customers may either purchase the recorder outright for a price ranging from $499.99 to $599.99 as of 2010, or include the rental price in their monthly cable bills. Comcast offers services to both American and Canadian customers starting at $99 a month.

Satellite

• Satellite companies offer digital video recording. Satellite TV image by Bryan Crowe from Fotolia.com

  Satellite boxes offer high-definition video recording via several satellite companies. Telus, DirecTV, Bell and Dish Network offer video recording along with the company's television service. DirecTV offers services starting from $29.99 as of 2010 and allows for programming your recording from a cell phone or computer.

Computers

• A PC Tuner card allows you to record your favorite programs on your computer. computer image by martini from Fotolia.com

  Television stations now offer most programming online, so you may record programs using your computer. Using a PC tuner card, a computer may record television programs directly onto a hard drive. According to CNET.com, Windows Media Center Edition 2005 is recommended as the best PC-based DVR application.

Moxi HD

• Adding PlayOn to Moxi HD allows for watching online content on your PC. computer keyboard image by forca from Fotolia.com

  Most similar to TiVo, the Moxi HD digital video recorder is a box that the consumer purchases outright and connects to his cable service provider via a Multi-stream CableCard. If a customer connects a home router to his PC, he may connect his computer to a TV to watch his programs. Adding PlayOn software to the Moxi allows for online content such as Netflix and Hulu.

DVD Recorders

• DVD recorders are a cost effective alternative to a DVR. dvd image by dinostock from Fotolia.com

  DVD recorders work much like VCRs, but instead record onto a re-recordable disc. You program the recorder much the same way you do a VCR. However, DVD recorders support various formats, including DVD-R/-RW, DVD+R/+RW, DVD-RAM, and you must know which format your recorder supports, or it will not work. For television recording, DVD-RAM provides the best playback results.