The Amazing DVR

Not so long ago, I ran across this write up in some tech magazine about digital video recorders. It's nothing new, but what is new is the number of people using them to record hundreds of hours of television for them to watch later on.

What was really amazing to me was that I read they can figure out what you want it to record without you telling it. You start out by telling it your favorite shows and it fills in the rest, including things like recording times, channels, duration and the like.

I was like, "Wow, I don't have to worry about VHS tapes anymore?" I don't have to stick the tape in the slot, set up the recording, set it to repeat or not. Even better, the DVR has a function that allows you to skip commercial breaks. And it does all of this better than a video recorder and records in higher quality.

When I read the article, DVRs were still pretty pricey. But since then, the cost has plummeted and I finally made the decision to go out and get one. I opted for Panasonic's Replay TV, a reliable brand that I knew and a product that seemed pretty solid. And it has been amazing, but for a few minor issues.

It freezes up every so often, but besides that it works absolutely wonderfully now as it did when I bought it.

DVRs have become pretty ubiquitous since then. Everybody seems to have one, whether they get it from the cable company or on their own. Naturally, the newer ones have improved a lot over the older ones, with better and stronger design.

People really take these things for granted. Once upon a time, I had to watch a TV show whenever the network decided to schedule it. Now I do it exclusively on my own terms. It has been a revolution for TV watchers.

In fact, as I wrap up writing this article, I'm getting ready for a little relaxation time with one of my favorite shows. I have three episodes to catch up on. I couldn't have done that without a DVR.

Commercial refrigeration and plastic shelving knowledge are needed if you plan to have a bar business someday.