How to record tv shows with a dvr

There are now more ways to record TV than ever before, none of them requires maintaining a cupboard full of video tapes and you may not need any additional devices if you have the right TV.

Our guide will help you weigh up your options, make sense of the jargon and find the device that's best suited to your needs.

Personal video recorders (PVRs) explained

PVRs are straightforward devices that let you record from Freeview channels onto a built-in hard drive. Here's a quick breakdown of everything you need to know.

• PVRs allow you to record multiple programs at once - in some cases as many as seven - while watching something else.
• They can all record Full-HD TV.
• They have built-in electronic programme guides, which is where you choose what to watch and record.
• They have a built-in hard drive, usually 500GB to 2TB (2,000GB).
• A 500GB hard drive can hold around 125 hours of HD footage and 250 hours of SD content.
• Some connect to the internet giving you access to catch-up and streaming apps, such as iPlayer and Netflix.

Not all PVRs are created equal. Find one that looks and sounds great, and is easy to use in our list of the Best PVRs.

DVD recorders

A DVD recorder (sometimes known as a DVDr) records TV programmes onto a recordable DVD disc. However, a DVD disc can usually only hold between one to four hours of footage. If you’re intending to use it as your main TV-recording device then buying one with a built-in hard disk is probably the most sensible option.

They were popular for a time, but have seen a sharp decline in the number available over the past ten years or so. With PVRs and on-demand content so popular you'll likely struggle to find a new model to buy, and we don't test them, either.

Pros:

• You can record TV programmes for long-term storage
• You can share recordings with family and friends

Cons:

• You can only record one programme at a time
• Most DVD players can't record HDTV
• Generally more difficult to use than PVRs
• Can only record Freeview channels
• Few in existence nowadays

PVR/DVD recorder combis

PVR/DVD recorder combis combine the hard disk storage capacity of a PVR - typically 250 hours, or 125 in HD - with the option to transfer your favourite recordings onto DVD if you want to keep them for a long time or share them with others. This is ideal if you want the best of both worlds but, much like with DVD recorders, they're something of a rarity nowadays.

Pros:

• Large internal hard drive
• Can archive to DVD

Cons:

• Can generally only record one programme at a time
• More complicated to use than a standalone PVR
• Very few on the market

They’re generally more complicated to use than a good standalone PVR. So if both a PVR and a DVD recorder are required, we would recommend buying two separate devices, unless space is an issue.

How to turn your TV into a PVR

In some cases you may not even need to buy a PVR - the majority of modern smart TVs have a PVR function built-in. To make use of it you'll need a USB hard-drive or memory stick, which then plugs into one of the USB ports on the TV.

You'll only be able to record broadcasts that are received locally by the TV's built-in Freeview or Freesat - that means it won't be able to record anything off of an external device like a Sky set-top box or an Amazon Fire TV Stick.

You'll also be restricted by the number of tuners built into the TV. If it has just one then you'll only be able to record the same show that you're watching. Two means you'll be able to watch one show whilst recording another. The upside, though, is that you're not confined to the hard-drive size imposed upon you like when you buy a standalone PVR - you can attach any sized drive you want, and they're much cheaper, too. 

Digital video recorders help capture video in a digital format to a disk drive, but the recording process is complex. To capture TV shows without a DVR, you can choose the best free screen recorder for live TV shows or a USB stick for capturing. In this article, you learn several effective ways about how to record TV shows without a DVR.

Record Live TV on Windows/Mac with EaseUS RecExperts (Efficient)

The recommended way to record live TV is to use a screen recorder, EaseUS RecExperts. It's Windows screen recorder and also compatible with Mac. Basically, you can record screen, audio, webcam, and game with it. With many useful functions, it can capture live TV shows on screen. 

Its schedule recording feature allows starting the task of screen capturing automatically. You don't have to control the duration manually as the screen recorder can set the starting and ending times. It's functional to capture live TV shows at home. Sometimes you may miss the live TV, but you can capture it for later viewing. 

Main features of this live TV recorder:

Now, try this live TV show recorder to capture your desktop streaming video (with no time limit)!

A guide for you to capture live TV programs on Windows, using EaseUS RecExperts with ease.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS RecExperts. Choose a recording mode from "Full Screen" or "Region". To get a better experience, we suggest you choose recording the full screen.

Step 2. Mostly, you will need to record the system sound when recording a video. Just click on the speak sign to select it. You can also tick the "Record silently" function, so that the recording process will be muted without muting the recorded video.

Step 3. After these settings, you can press the red "REC" button to start recording. If you want to pause the recording, click on the white "Pause" button; to end the recording, click on the red "Stop" button.

Step 4. After recording, the recording list window will open. Here you can view, split, delete, manage your recorded videos.

For Mac users, look at the below tutorial to find a way to capture live TV on Mac! It's easy and fast. 

How to Record Screen with Audio on Mac

The best screen recorder allows capturing the screen and sound at the same time. For sure, it helps capture live TV shows without using DVR.

Capture TV Programs Without a DVR via USB Stick

For how to record TV shows without a DVR, you can apply the USB storage device. As most TV devices have the default PVR software, you can connect the TV to DVR for capturing TV programs easily. USB recording can help capture TV shows to the external device which is connected to the TV.

However, this method has limitations as it only requires you to deal with the TV's Freeview. Therefore, it's hard to capture video from some platforms like Amazon Fire TV stick.

Before referring to the guide below, make sure there is a USB slot in your TV. Then, follow the guide below. 

Step 1. Find the USB slot on the back of the TV to know whether you can connect it via a USB. If it has, then you can move to the next step. 

Step 2. Connect your USB HDD to the TV. Then, check the TV to see if the PVR function is accessible.

Step 3. Based on your TV settings, you ensure the format HDD and other options for PVR. 

Step 4. Now, with the built-in PVR function, you can start the TV recording mission. 

 Notice:This method is accessible when your TV has the PVR function.

Record TV Shows Without a DVR through Windows Media Center

To record TV shows without a DVR, Windows Media Center is a good choice for Windows 7. This tool allows you to watch and capture live TV. Also, it helps view slide shows of the photos and plays songs or CDs in its library. 

Before watching the TV shows in Windows Media Center, the PC should be equipped with a TV tuner card. You can look for detailed information on Windows 7 live TV setting process for Windows Media Center.

Here is a list of steps to record online TV with Windows Media Center:

Step 1. Find or download Windows Media Center on PC. In the main interface, choose "TV". 

Step 2. Then, click "Guide" and then you can see the TV menu. There are TV names, categories, and times.  

Step 3. Once you have selected the TV show, click "Enter". Then, hit "Record" to start the mission. To stop it, you can click the "Do Not Record" button. Then, choose "Record Series" to save your TV programs. 

Capture TV Programs Without a DVR via MediaPortal

MediaPortal is open-source and free software that aims to make your PC a media solution. It can connect PC to the TV and displays movies easily. Most importantly, it's one of the best ways to watch and record live TV. Also, you are allowed to apply the remote function to control the HTPC using this tool. 

To enjoy video and audio in the TV shows, follow this simple guide, using MediaPortal. 

Step 1. Download this tool on PC. In the main interface, go to "TV".

Step 2. To capture the TV shows, click the Record button. Also, it allows capturing while watching the TV show. 

Step 3. If you want to save time, find the schedule recording feature to start the mission automatically. 

FAQs About How to Record TV Shows Without a DVR

To help you better capture TV programs, follow this part to find more useful solutions.

1. How do I record TV shows on my smart TV?

Here is a guide for capturing TV shows on the smart TV.

1. Make sure your TV has the built-in PVR option. Also, check if there is a USB slot at the back of your TV.

2. Prepare a USB and connect the USB HDD to your TV.

3. Adjust the format in your TV and click the Record button.

4. To stop the recording, you click the Stop button. The video is saved.

2. How can I record directly from my TV?

Prepare the USB storage device and plug it into the USB slot. To capture the TV show, you should tap the Record button with the remote control. This is the PVR feature, which is a default option on most TV devices.

Can you record TV shows with a DVR?

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How do I record live TV shows?

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