Subscribers in the US are increasingly switching over to digital video recorders (DVRs) for advantages that prove irresistible for many customers. Considering the growing demand, it seems like this technology has finally arrived. What makes DVRs special is that it records directly to a hard drive. There is no tape involved as there is with VCRs.

Features that seem to have caught the eye of the TV viewers include instant replay, pause option, digital quality, dual viewing, or recording one program while viewing another. Even cable companies are providing devices that come with inbuilt DVRs that provide all of these functions for cable viewers.

Some DVRs also provide programming information, alerts on the timing of favorite programs and zoom in capabilities. If you dont like commercials, you can even skip through them. These features are definitely unmatched by any contemporary technology. The future may see a host of other services like local weather, interactive gaming, etc. added to the number of services. This good news is not just for the viewer but also the broadcasting companies who can now be assured of a significant increase in viewers.

Some of the more popular models are TiVo because of its extra features. DirecTV HD DVR and the Dish Player-DVR 942 are new to the market and said to be superior to TiVo. If you are in the market for a DVR check publications like PC Magazine, USA Today, Epinions and Amazon.com. All offer very good reviews.