What does the term 'DVD' stand for:
Most people agree that the letters DVD stand for 'Digital Versatile Disc' some also make the claim that DVD stands for 'Digital Video Disc'. Wikipedia the online encyclopedia states the correct term is 'Digital Versatile Disc'.

What is a DVD Recorder:
A DVD recorder records images and sound from input sources such TV, cable or satellite stations, VCRs and even digital cameras and writes them onto a blank writable DVD disc.

What is a DVD Recorder with Hard Disk:
A DVD Recorder with hard drive has the same functions as a normal DVD Recorder with the added bonus of extra storage space for recording. The hard disk is similar to the one inside a computer. Hard Disk or HDD can store recordings that are broadcast quality and is as versatile as a DVD-RAM disc. The number of GBs (gigabytes) on the hard drive will give you approximately half the number of hours of recorded TV on ‘standard play’. So an 80gb hard disk will allow you to record about 40 hours of TV. Hard Disks are great for recording TV which you do not intend to keep for a prolonged period (such as weekly soaps) just record onto the hard disk and then delete the watched shows. It's quicker and easier than burning a DVD disc.

How much stuff can I record with a DVD Recorder:
How long is a piece of string? You can record as much as you like, so long as you have enough DVD discs to accommodate the recordings. The amount of recording space on a DVD disc is dependent on the format of the disc. A Normal DVD-R Disc will hold around 120 minutes to 160 minutes of video/recording depending on the compression quality you choose. Dual or double Layered discs will hold even more.

How is a DVD Recorder different than SKY+ or TiVo systems:
SKY+ and TiVO are subscription based services which include the rental or purchase of a smartbox. The smartbox is basically a large hard-drive with a built-in TV guide/planner. Many new DVD Recorders now come with hard disks fitted as standard, although most DVD Recorders do not have any TV guide/planner software installed. A DVD Recorder with Hard Disk can pause live TV and Time Slip like SKY+ or TiVo.

Can I Record from the hard disk to a DVD:
Yes, recording from the hard disk the a DVD Disc is easy, it's a great way to back-up films and shows you wish to view again without clogging up your hard disk space.

What are the different DVD formats:
There are many types of DVD format, when people talk about DVD formats they are really talking about how the information is stored or written to the DVD disc.

The most common format is DVD-R, this was the first DVD recording format released that was compatible with standalone DVD Players. DVD-R means you can only record information onto the disc once. You cannot re-record/rewrite onto a DVD-R disc like you can with VHS Video tape.

DVD-RW is a rewrite disc format which can be erased and used again to record video and audio many 1000s of times. DVD-RW is compatible with about 80% of all DVD Players.

Other formats include DVD+R, DVD+RW and DVD DL these formats are supported by various DVD manufacturers. Formats only becomes an issue if you need to share your DVDs with other people who maybe using different systems. The latest DVD recorders to hit the shops now support multiple recording formats which allows you to choose the formatting options before recording.

Can I buy a DVD recorder that works in all formats:
No, as yet we do not know of a DVD Recorder that can record and play all formats. Most new DVD Recorders will record in at least two formats usually DVD-R/RW plus DVD+R/+RW, these are the two most common formats and should be playable in most DVD players and PCs.

What is 'Time Shift':
Time Shift is the ability to play back and pause a live TV program while it is being recorded. Most DVD-RAM and DVD HDD recorders come with this function. It's very popular with couch potatoes and sports fans who want the freedom to pause and continue a live game or movie without having to miss any action.

Should I buy a DVD Recorder now or wait:
Now is a great time to buy a DVD Recorder, early high prices have now dropped and the latest recorders are stacked with features and many come with built in hard drives for extra flexibility.

Do DVD Recorders play normal DVD films:
Absolutely! a DVD Recorder will play all your old DVDs no problem - and now that entry level DVD Recorders are the same price as a standard DVD player you have no excuse for not owning one.