A DVR or digital video recorder functions a lot like a VCR, except it uses a hard drive to record, as opposed to videotapes. This means that there aren't any tapes to cue, and there is more recording time available. Like modern VCRs, users of digital video recorders can record television shows by entering information such as channel, time, and date into a recording menu. On VCRs, the menu is provided by the device itself, whereas the DVR obtains a menu from a remote server. In order to connect to a remote server, a dedicated phone line or high speed internet connection is needed, along with internet service.

There are many advantages to having a digital video recorder. First, the image quality is considerably better than VCR recordings, and is always consistent. Digital also allows for video archiving and transfer of video data to CD-Rom or CD-RW. The convenient search function allows users to quickly locate the show, or specific scene, that they want to watch. A Digital video recorder can be programmed to record an entire season of a television show, and it is even possible to watch the first half of a show while the DVR continues to tape the second half.

One of the most popular digital video recorder features is its ability to fast forward or skip commercials. It also allows users to pause, fast forward, rewind, or replay live television. Since digital video recorders are connected to the internet, users can access and view their favorite shows from anywhere in the world using a computer and the DVR remote monitoring feature.

One of the few drawbacks to digital video recorders is that most do not support HDTV, or High Definition television broadcasts. A digital video recorder can be hooked up to a High Definition television, but DVRs will only record and display programs in standard definition. This is likely to change as the technology improves.