
Who wants to integrate a personal video recorder into its technology, should inform itself before the purchase about its individual requirements be clear. Some would like to use PVR only for time-shifted television. In this case criteria are like File system and formatting not so important. Who would like to record however numerous favorite transmissions, must argue exactly with these characteristics. Especially if a video archive is to be created, these areas of PVR are important.
There are different file systems that require receivers or televisions with PVR. Common formats include FAT32, NTFS or ext2. Above all with PVR ready with an external non removable disk should be paid attention to the compatibility, if these for example also connected to a computer should be to edit or archive the recordings. not every file system is supported by every operating system.
NTFS and exFAT can be Windows ext2 for example requires special drivers and software, which can be very inconvenient. The FAT32 file system is universal applicable. But such formatted hard drives have the disadvantage that they support a maximum of four gigabytes. For recordings that are larger, they are therefore split. To reassemble these later with appropriate tools, can be cumbersome and very time-consuming.
The stick has the advantages that it can be small and compact is, consumes less power and usually does not cause noise. However, it has less storage capacity and also the write speed and read speed during playback is lower. For individual recordings or the use of the timeshift function, however, a stick may be perfectly adequate. Some TVs don’t accept USB sticks, so you have to use the hard disk.
Many manufacturers specify in their documentation exactly which hard disks are to be used Conditions the external storage medium for PVR must fulfill. Thus, a high-speed USB stick with a read speed of at least 20 Mbit per second, a write speed of at least 34 Mbit per second and a memory size of at least 1 GB is often the requirement.
Hard disks can usually offer more storage space. However, some receivers or TVs do not accept 3.5″ hard drives, which have their own power supply. Here, a 2.5″ hard drive without a separate power supply should be chosen. At Hard disks without power supply, there is often also a limitation of the current consumption – which is at most 400 mA, because otherwise the disk does not get enough current via the USB port. Some TV devices also require Minimum size of the hard disk, which is not infrequently around 160 gigabytes.
With a storage capacity of more than 500 gigabytes, recognition can be difficult. Then the hard disk should be formatted correctly first and then can be divided into partitions. When connecting for the first time after formatting, there is usually a question as to which partition the PVR recording should be made on.
In addition the selection exists between HDD hard disks (turning spindle) and SSD hard disks. Basically both variants are possible. However, with HDD hard drives, many devices require a minimum speed of 5.400 revolutions per minute. The exact requirements should be read beforehand in the fine print.
Most receivers or TVs format the external storage medium appropriately. Therefore, this does not have to be done beforehand on the PC. However, you should make sure that the stick or hard disk does not contain any important data that could be lost as a result.
A memory card can also be used as a recording medium via USB and card reader. Some devices even have a memory card slot. Nevertheless, this medium is rather rare in PVR, because memory cards have weaknesses especially in the capacity compared to stick and hard drive.
Who wants to process his recordings of the personal video recorder on the PC, must also the used Formatting of the recording note. Most can be used on the computer without any problems. A frequently used file format is TS (Transport Stream). Behind this is a container file that contains both the video and audio data streams, but also integrates other content such as subtitles.
But also formats like REC, TRP or DVR are often. This often requires software for further processing, but this is easily available on the Internet. In addition, there are also file formats that are protected and cannot be further processed on the computer.
However, some manufacturers have built in hurdles with PVR. It is not uncommon for the recordings to be able to be gar not played or used become. Manufacturers "marry" the recordings to the device with which they were made. This is more common with TVs than with receivers.
In addition, there are restrictions for timeshift and recording For encrypted TV channels, which require a CI+ decoding for reception. In most cases, these are pay channels or private HD programs. In order to be able to view the content, a corresponding SmartCard from the respective provider is required. Nevertheless, a recording of the contents is then not automatically possible. Affected by this are, for example, all channels of the Sky platform and most HD offshoots. The providers want such a avoid illegal duplication. Only a time-shifted recording with a maximum duration of 90 minutes can often be possible.
Not always every recording can be started manually. PVR therefore also offers programming. The easiest way is via the so-called EPG (Electronic Program Guide) to realize. These are program information provided by the television broadcasters. In the digital program guide the favorite program in lists with the remote control can be simply picked out and stored for the recording. Series recordings of continuous episodes are possible as well as the recording of interesting offers by keyword.
With the programming can be with some providers also often a Buffer time set. So the user is sure not to miss the beginning. Even delayed broadcasts are thus still completely recorded. Basically, the recording of the PVR is then 15 minutes longer.
If you don’t want to buy a recording device with a personal video recorder, but still want to record programs from time to time, you can also use Offers from the Internet use. Besides the physical recorders from electronics stores, they are a flexible alternative. Providers provide storage space on devices in data centers that are connected via the Internet.
The recorded programs can be via streaming or download then viewed and used. This option is often also "Network Digital Recorder" (NDR) denotes. No hard drive to format, no extra device to connect to the TV and other technical details needed. This alternative is therefore suitable for people who are not particularly tech-savvy.
The Network recorders has the advantage that it can record an unlimited number of programs simultaneously. The user does not have to worry about tuner and Co. Depending on the provider, this is free or chargeable. Some providers allow a free contingent per month – such as 15 recordings – and then a paid recording offer without a subscription.
NDR is often implemented via apps and software. So it is also possible if Record your favorite show on the go – via app from the smartphone. With appropriate programs can also cut out advertising and other unwanted parts in the recording.
Especially those who want to record a lot of programs, ask yourself how much storage space is necessary for it. This depends on the quality. SD broadcasts require nowhere near as much storage space as programs in HD. With the latter can be expected from about 75 to 100 megabytes per minute be assumed – one hour of recording consumes about 10 GB. For 240 hours of HD material therefore needs a storage disk with 1 terabyte. Who wants to record only in SD quality, can already store an hour with 5 GB.
Who wants to buy devices with PVR or PVR ready, must reach deeper into the pocket, as models without these functions. Cheap TVs with PVR ready there are already from around 200 euros in the trade. However, these inexpensive models usually only support Full HD resolution. Those who want to experience the recorded shows in 4K have to dig deeper into their pockets. TVs with a larger screen diagonal are just as expensive as small TVs.
Receiver with PVR ready on the other hand there are clearly cheaper. The simple models can already from about 25 euros be purchased. Equipment with twin tuner, 4K resolution and other add-ons cause price increase. Models in the upper price segment can be bought from 400 euros. If a hard disk is integrated, the device is usually just as expensive as only with the PVR ready offer.
PVR is the personal video recorder of the modern age – it allows you to quickly and easily record your favorite show. Many TVs or receivers now offer this feature. The most important thing is to distinguish between PVR and PVR ready. While with the first the storage space is already integrated in the device for the recordings, PVR ready offers only the recording function – a storage medium must be additionally connected over the appropriate output.
When choosing the right PVR option are various criteria to note: Twin tuners allow recording two different broadcasts at the same time. For external storage media with and without own power supply are Formats and recording formats to note. However, there are also limitations of the personal video recorder. It is often not possible to playback the recorded content on other TVs. As an alternative to the PVR is the so-called NDR – the virtual video recorder via the Internet.
Concord High School senior runningback Walters Ndi rushes for a touchdown in the second quarter of Concord's football game against Goffstown High School. Concord went on to beat Goffstown 35â7 at Memorial Field in Concord on Friday, November 1, 2013. (WILL PARSON / Monitor staff)
It had happened just once before in 116 years of Concord High football, the Crimson Tide going undefeated and untied in the regular season.
Now, make that twice.
Concord dominated Goffstown, 35-7, last night