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A Personal Video Recorder is a hard disk video recorder, similar in design and purpose to a VCR (“a magnetic tape recorder for recording (and playing back) TV programs [syn: videocassette recorder, VCR]�), but rather than requiring the use of a video cassette to record on to, a PVR “allows you to record TV programmes onto a hard disk, similar to those found inside a desktop computer�. The PVR system also has a number of other substantial advantages. Some of these as listed by Radio and Telly are “no tapes to rewind, the ability to pause live TV, integrated programme guides, and series recording, plus a lot more storage space than a standard VHS cassette. You can copy programmes down onto video tape for archiving, if you wish�.
As the world of television continues to expand, and the number of channels and programs available increase, the demand for a televisual recording device has become more prominent. While the VCR has been fulfilling this function for some time, it does have a limited capacity for storage and quality of reproduction. Therefore a new device was developed that not only improved upon storage and quality (as was in particular demand with the introduction of Digital television), but it also went above and beyond the general functions and capabilities of even the most advanced VCRs. The Personal Video Recorder or PVR allows for the recording and playback of television programs (also called time-shifting) for archiving and delayed viewing purposes. It also enables a viewer certain live-viewing capabilities, such as being able to pause mid-program and an instant replay function. One of the most controversial functions of this device is the ability to ‘skip’ mid-program advertisements during live programming. “TiVo reports that its 1.9 million subscribers …tend to skip three-quarters of the commercials in pre-recorded programs and half during prime time�.
The PVR is becoming increasingly popular, and a large variety of devices are now available, such as TiVo and ReplayTV, as well as being incorporated into the set top boxes of some Digital television providers.
There are still many issues and concerns surrounding the common household use of the PVR. Primarily this is centered around the skipping of mid-program advertisements. This issue is being addressed as companies such as Coca-Cola, are striving to create more elaborate and interesting advertisements to entice viewers to watch. The predominant issue in Australia in introducing such a device to its consumer market is the matter of time-shifting and its current position in regard to Australian copyright laws, wherein copyright infringing actions include “Home recording of broadcast radio/television content for private use whether for time-shifting or watching more than once�.
References
Dictionary.com (2004) "VCR" accessed 26 October 2004, from http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=VCR
Radio and Telly (2004) "Personal Video Recorders", accessed 26 October 2004, from http://www.radioandtelly.co.uk/pvr.html
Definition of Australian copyright law (2004)"List of some possible copyright-infringing actions in Australia", accessed 26 October 2004, from http://www.wordiq.com/definition/Australian_copyright_law
Foust, D. (2004, March 1)"Coke: Wooing The TiVo Generation",Business week online, accessed 26 October 2004, from http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/04_09/b3872088.htm
Mack, A. (2004) "Ad-justment", Adweek, vol.45, iss.35, pg.28, accessed 25 October 2004, via Proquest, from http://proquest.umi.com.gateway.library.qut.edu.au/pqdweb?index=12&did=000000702881751&SrchMode=1&sid=1&Fmt=4&VInst=PROD&VType=PQD&RQT=309&VName=PQD&TS=1098966589&clientId=14394
Other Related Topics: TiVo, Big Brother, Idol, Reality TV and its use of SMS, Reality TV and its use of the Internet, Foxtel Digital, Internet TV, Mobile Video Phones, Daily Broadcasting
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Kassie-Lee Goodman 23:45, 28 Oct 2004 (EST)
