High Definition Digital Video Recorder (HD DVR) FAQs
- How many hours of programming will I be able to record with the HD DVR?
- How will I know if the HD DVR is almost out of recording space?
- With the HD DVR, can I record two shows at once in High Definition?
- Can I record digital or analog programming?
- Will I be able to select the resolution best suited for my High Definition television?
- Will the HD DVR work with my home theater equipment?
- What is the HDMI port on the rear of the HD DVR SmartBox?
- Can I connect a hard drive to the SATA (Serial-ATA) port?
- Where can I see and try the HD DVR?
1. How many hours of programming can I record with the HD DVR?
The Explorer 8300HD DVR has a 160 gigabyte (GB) hard drive which enables it to record up to 90 hours of standard definition programs or up to 20 hours of HD programs.
Keep in mind that the total program hours that can be stored depends upon whether the format and data rate of the programming source is HD, SD or analog. Consider that HD programming (on the average) takes up to four times the storage space as standard definition programming. This explains why you are able to record 20 hours of HD programming instead of 90 hours of standard definition programming.
2. How will I know if the HD DVR is almost out of recording space?
When you try to schedule the next recording, a warning appears on the Confirm Recording screen.
3. With the HD DVR, can I record two shows at once in High Definition?
Yes. You will be able to record two shows at once in High Definition, plus you can watch a previously recorded show at the same time!
Tired of your DVR programs being tied to just one room in the house? Watch what you want, when you want, where you want by adding a DVR to another TV. Now the whole family can record their favorite programs! While the kids are saving cartoons, you'll be catching up on the big game or last week's season finale. Plus, additional DVRs means more space to record more great programming. Order now!
4. Can I record digital or analog programming?
Absolutely. Start anytime, pause, fast forward and rewind, or digitally record your favorite digital, analog, or HD programs with one simple click. Record every episode of your favorite shows.
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5. Will I be able to select the resolution best suited for my High Definition Television?
Yes. You may customize viewing by selecting the resolution (scan rate) best suited for your HDTV (480i, 480p, 720p, or 1080i) by choosing the output resolution in the General Settings Menu. You can set your HD DVR to record the highest quality format available to play back on your HDTV.
6. Will the HD DVR work with my home theater equipment?
Yes. Optimize your home theater experience with composite and S-video connections, as well as Dolby Digital 5.1 digital optical audio outputs. Note: The composite (video, L & R audio) on the front of the terminal are not currently operational.
7. What is the HDMI port on the rear of the HD DVR SmartBox?
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. The port uses an HDMI cable that provides for transmitting digital television audio and visual sources to television sets, projectors and other video displays. The HD DVR HDMI output port requires the use of a HDMI to DVI, or HDMI to HDMI cable as required by the television's inputs.
The HDMI and DVI cables will be available for an additional charge.
8. Can I connect a hard drive to the SATA (Serial-ATA) port?
The SATA drive port is active on all of our DVR's. However, we do not offer support of the SATA connections with the DVR’s to external equipment. Note: The external hard drives are not addressable. This means that you cannot direct where information will be stored. The drive provides additional recording time and storage space, but there is no mapping so you cannot direct data to a specific drive. Therefore you cannot take the external drive to another machine and play back the data stored on it. If the DVR fails then the content on the SATA drive will not be recoverable.
9. Where can I see and try the HD DVR?
Visit any one of our Demonstration Centers to learn more about the DVR. Find a location near you today!
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