digital video recorder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2neutral, technical
Quick answer
What does “digital video recorder” mean?
An electronic device that records television programmes in a digital format to an internal hard drive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An electronic device that records television programmes in a digital format to an internal hard drive.
A consumer electronics device (or software) that captures broadcast or streamed video content onto a digital storage medium, allowing for time-shifted viewing and often pausing live TV.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English may use 'set-top box' more generically, or the brand name 'Sky+'. 'DVR' is common in both, though 'digital recorder' is also frequent in UK English.
Connotations
In the US, 'DVR' is strongly associated with the TiVo brand. In the UK, 'Sky+' has a similar brand association.
Frequency
'DVR' is more frequent in American English. The full term 'digital video recorder' is more formal and technical in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “digital video recorder” in a Sentence
to record [PROGRAMME] on a/the digital video recorderto watch [PROGRAMME] from the digital video recorderto connect the digital video recorder to [DEVICE]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “digital video recorder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'll DVR the match while we're out.
American English
- We DVR'd the whole series to binge later.
adjective
British English
- The digital recorder function is easy to use.
American English
- We upgraded to a DVR service from the cable company.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
In the consumer electronics sector, product specifications highlight a DVR's storage capacity and recording capabilities.
Academic
In media studies, the DVR is analysed for its impact on advertising revenue and viewing habits.
Everyday
We can watch the match later; I've set the DVR to record it.
Technical
The device utilises an MPEG-4 codec for compression and stores the data on a SATA HDD.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “digital video recorder”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “digital video recorder”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “digital video recorder”
- Using 'VCR' and 'DVR' interchangeably (they are different technologies).
- Misspelling 'video' as 'vedio'.
- Capitalising the term when not referring to a brand.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A VCR records to analogue magnetic tape (VHS), while a DVR records digitally to an internal hard drive, offering features like pausing live TV and easier navigation.
Essentially, yes. 'Personal Video Recorder' (PVR) is often used synonymously with DVR, though some argue PVR is a broader term that includes software-based systems.
Generally, no. Streaming services provide on-demand content. A DVR is primarily for recording scheduled broadcasts from cable, satellite, or aerial/antenna.
Typically, no. Most DVRs are designed to record broadcast signals. Recording from streaming services is usually prevented by digital rights management (DRM).
An electronic device that records television programmes in a digital format to an internal hard drive.
Digital video recorder is usually neutral, technical in register.
Digital video recorder: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ɪ.təl ˈvɪd.i.əʊ rɪˌkɔː.dər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪdʒ.ə.t̬əl ˈvɪd.i.oʊ rɪˌkɔːr.dɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “cutting the cord (replacing cable/satellite with streaming, often using a DVR is part of the old model)”
- “time-shifting (core function of a DVR)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think DIGITAL (not tape) VIDEO (for TV) RECORDER (to save it). Initials DVR rhyme with 'VCR', its predecessor.
Conceptual Metaphor
A time machine for television (allows you to control time).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary storage medium in a modern digital video recorder?