DVD-RECORDER
Pros:
- Programming can be recorded onto a lifelong, virtually indestructible disc
- Discs are relatively inexpensive
- Can use disc over and over when recording to a Re-Writable disc
- Easy to connect to VCR for VHS to DVD conversion or to DVR for permanent storage
- DVD quality is hard to beat
Cons:
- Misuse of discs can lead to damage that can't be repaired
- Labeling discs is imperative for storage
- Discs have limited space
- Recording on non re-writable discs can get expensive
- Compatibility between DVD types (+R/-R) is not 100-percent right now
VCR - VIDEO CASSETTE RECORDER
Pros:
- Over 20 years of people using on a frequent basis makes it difficult for the technology to completely disappear
- Over 20 years of video tape collections compiled, which make it expensive to replace with DVDs
- Easy to use
- Blank or Recorded tapes are inexpensive
- VHS tapes can be reused with little difficulty
Cons:
- Tracking issues between different players
- Picture quality can degrade on tapes being used over and over
- Outdated technology - recording in digital not possible with older VCRs
DVR - DIGITAL VIDEO RECORDER
A PVR or Personal Video Recorder is another term for DVR.
Pros:
- All recording is self-contained inside the unit - no external media required
- When sudden situations arise (like water boiling over the pot or turning off the sprinklers) a person can pause live television and watch it moments after handling the situation
- Money saved in buying VHS cassettes and DVDs is endless
- Possibility to record in HD
- Dual tuner models make it possible to record on one channel while watching another when connected to a digital cable/satellite service provider
Cons:
- Limited hard drive space
- Hard drive is not meant for permanent storage
- Hard drive could crash causing all info on drive to be lost
- Many DVRs require monthly subscriptions for advance recording of shows
