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Blu-Ray/HD-DVD Disc
Digital Video Recorder (DVR)
Sling Box
What are Blu-Ray Discs?
Blu-Ray is the most recent development in optical disc format. It is useful for the storage of high definition video and high density data. Blu-Ray uses a blue-violet laser to read and write to disc. These discs have more information capacity but are also currently more expensive than HD DVD format. A dual layer Blu-Ray disc can hold 8 hours of HD Video. BD-RE (rewritable), BD-R (recordable) and BD-ROM formats are available. The discs have a clear polymer coating to make them highly scratch resistant. In addition to home video, Blu-Ray discs can be used in game consoles and for PC data storage.
What are HD-DVD Discs?
Like Blu-Ray they are the next generation DVD disc. It is another high density optical disc format which stores high-definition video and data. HD-DVD is able to store twice as much information as a standard DVD, but approximately 60% less than Blu-Ray. Blu-Ray has more storage and may possibly have slightly better picture quality but HD-DVD is less expensive and reportedly has better backwards compatibility; meaning that an HD-DVD player will play not only HD-DVD discs but also the older standard DVD discs.
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What is a DVR?
Digital Video Recorders (DVR), also referred to as Personal Video Recorders (PVR), encode video data in MPEG format and store the data on hard drive. In the world of satellite, the signal is already a digitally encoded MPEG signal which can be simply stored to disk.
A Digital Video Recorder offers a number of advantages to the consumer giving them greater control over their television viewing. First and foremost, it allows users to record live TV shows to hard disk in digital format; no tapes required. This can of course be copied onto videotape or DVD for archiving if desired. Other features include the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV programming. The result allows the viewer to skip commercials when used in this manner. In addition, the DVR gives viewers an on screen program guide complete with program descriptions, times, and titles. DVR equipment is approximately the size of a VHS recorder and prices average between $450-$750 although some cable and satellite companies offer the equipment at no additional charge when initiating services.
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What is a SlingBox?
Slingbox is a device that enables you to watch your TV programming through any internet-connected PC, anywhere. Slingbox is the size of a cigarette box and costs around $250. It plugs into your network router and any video components (cable box, TiVO, satellite receiver, or DVR). Software is then installed on your PC. Any PC with an internet connection that is able to run Windows Media 9 or better will be adequate. The user is able use mouse clicks to activate an on screen remote to change channels, etc. The device even gives you complete access to your TiVO; allowing you to both view and record shows. Mobile software is now available to allow viewing on PDAs and mobile phones that are powered by Microsoft’s Windows Pocket PC operating system.
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