When looking for a new TV or a satellite/cable company, some indications say HD receiver and HD DVR receiver; however, the differences between them remain unclear. It is important to note that both let you view high-definition shows, but there are some differences regarding operations, recording, and cost. This guide will help you understand the differences between both to effectively decide which type of receiver is suitable for your home theater system.
An HD Receiver is a device that receives high-definition television signals and allows you to watch high-definition television programs.
HD receiver also known as HDTV receiver is a device used in receiving and displaying high-definition television channels from cable or satellite television service providers. The receiver also has an HDMI output that is high-definition up to your HDTV and its decoding of the high-definition video signal into a picture.
HD receivers enable one to view HD channels that have better picture and sound quality than that of normal NTSC channels. The primary advantage of having an HD receiver is video quality. While at best the old analog signals might be grainy, the HD video is capable of delivering up to 1080p resolution and thus clear pictures.
HD receivers are used as tuners to receive the HD signals and decode the signals to provide the best picture and sound quality. They are not capable of any type of recording function – they only enable the viewer to watch live broadcast high-definition programs on selected stations. Another is that HD receivers often have an additional interactive program guide so you can search for channels and schedule details.
What is an HD DVR Receiver?
An HD DVR receiver sometimes termed an HD high-definition that has High Definition functionalities and an integrated video recorder using a digital video recorder DVR. Just like the HD receiver, the HD DVR receiver can tune HD channels and deliver high-definition videos on your television set to ultimate quality. However, the DVR feature provides an opportunity for recording shows into a hard drive located in the unit.
This makes it possible for you to record your preferred HD programs at your source and watch them later without having to be around to view them live. There is the option to record the content store it in the library and watch it when it is convenient. Another advantage of the DVR receiver is the ability to set aside or freeze live TV so that one can rewind and watch parts of the show that they missed.
HD DVR units typically offer at least 500 GB of storage, which equates to 75 to 100 hours of HD recordings. The additional features might include a terabyte or more storage for potentially hundreds more hours of use. With the help of the DVR feature, you can start watching full seasons of your favorite TV shows, movies, sports events, etc., in high quality.
Difference in Functionality
To summarize the key differences:
• HD receiver – Can only watch live high-definition channels.
• HD DVR receiver – The receiver also watches live high-definition channels and highs high-definition programs to be watched at a later time.
If you desire to fast forward, rewind, pause, or record programs for later viewing, the high-definitionhoice available is the DVR. In the case of the standard receiver, you are confined to watching only whatever is currently being aired live.
Difference in Subscription Fees
The other significant disparity is with the monthly fee that the subscriber pays. Most of the time, the HD receivers are bundled with a standard pack of high-definition channels. However, while most of the HD DVR receivers are available, they come with an additional monthly DVR price in addition to the basic subscription prices for standard high-definition services.
The DVR fee is commonly in the range of $5 to $20 a month, depending on your cable or satellite company. This supports the recording ability and pays the provider for the additional programming support that a DVR receiver requires.
Thus, while the HD DVR could prove to be cheaper in the long run, the advantage of having a personal video recorder could be worth the higher monthly prices for many viewers.
Variation in Price of Hardware
Last of all, there is a difference in the price of the equipment before they are installed or used for the first time. For the basic high-definition receivers, it is common to pay little or nothing at all from a service provider with a subscription offer. However, HD DVR receivers are available at a relatively higher cost compared to the other hardware.
Available at a retail store, an HD DVR costs between $150 for a basic model and $400 plus for a premium product. Providers also usually request $50 and over if you would like their latest proprietary DVR technology.
However, it should be noted that many carriers do not charge for the hardware of the HD DVR if the customer subscribes to it on the higher channel tier. However, should you only wish for basic programming, expect to pay a steep one-time cost for the receiver. When you add the cost of the hardware to the higher monthly fees that are being charged now, it shows the additional cost incurred per month to get the high-definition DVR receivers rather than plain HD set-top boxes.
Bottom Line
From the above analysis, it becomes easier to determine how much recording ability is worth in terms of the initial cost of the hardware and the monthly charges made for the service. If you are sure that you will be making very frequent use of the DVR features and want the most control over your home theater system, then the HD DVR receiver is undeniably the best buy even though it is a bit expensive.
On the other hand, if you mainly wish to receive high-definition channels without recording shows at certain time slots, then an HD set-top box would be suitable for you at a lower cost. You should therefore consider your viewing habits and your budget to ensure you get the best high-def receiver to use at home.
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