Best Videorecorder

A DVR (Digital Video Recorder) stores video data on a hard disk, which is often only used as a temporary storage medium. The data can not only be played back from the hard disk as often as desired, but also burned to DVD or Blu-Ray disc or transferred to external devices such as notebooks or smartphones. In addition to the pure recording function, most models offer additional extras. A CI+ or HD+ module can also be used to receive encrypted and fee-based broadcast content, such as pay TV or full high-definition quality (HD). Unwanted advertisements can usually be deleted from the recordings or skipped during playback by fast forward using the timeshift function or hidden during recording. Contents of existing VHS cassettes can be digitized on many devices and files can be read in via USB ports or SD cards. The two most common types of hard disk recorders are DVD player hard disk recorders and Blu-ray player hard disk recorders. Blu-ray players have the advantage that they are also suitable for HD recording due to their high storage capacity. Most recorders offer hard disk capacities in the order of 1 terabyte. This corresponds to approx. 100 feature films in normal quality.

– DVD and Blu-Ray recordersThese devices are the classic successors to the VHS recorder. They store the TV programmes received via satellite, cable or DVB-T either on a hard disk or burn them directly to DVD or Blu-ray discs, depending on the tuner equipment and setting.

– Receiver with internal hard disk or USB recordingThis device type either has a hard disk for data recording in addition to the tuner (satellite or cable connection) in the housing. Alternatively, an external disk can be written to via a USB port. Receivers with dual tuners have two integrated receivers that work in parallel. This makes it possible to view one program at the same time as saving a second one on disk.

– TV sets with USB recordingThese are not strictly speaking video recorders, but are corresponding recording options. More and more current televisions offer USB recording as an additional function. This allows broadcast content to be stored on an externally connected hard drive via a USB port on the television.

– Online recorderThese are not devices, but services provided by online service providers and subject to a charge. The service providers record selected and preset TV programmes. These will then be available for download as video files afterwards.

In the case of an existing TV set, it is often advantageous to purchase a recorder/receiver of the same brand (unless there are important reasons not to do so). Compatibility is usually assured and a second remote control is often not required. To transmit HD signals, an HDMI connector and cable is required. A SCART connector/cable is not suitable.
Ultra HD and “4k” and are two terms for the same technology. These are image resolutions that are 4 times as high as Full HD. Ultra HD describes the format and “4k” the resolution. Necessary connections are HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2. For even higher resolution there is now also an “8k” specification.
In the case of pay-TV channels, it is important to ensure that many providers grant a temporary licence for recordings. Once this has expired, access to the recording is no longer possible, i.e. you can no longer watch your recorded programmes and sometimes the recording has also disappeared because the transmitter also sent a delete signal. A note of the type “Post expired” or similar will then appear.