Question about recording with a DVR?

Question

I was wondering if recording a program in HD takes up more memory on my DVR than recording the same program on a SD channel. Thanks

Answer 1

I don't believe so.  I think it justs records for length - not quality.

Answer 2

Yes it will.

Answer 3

It may very well depend on the DVR and your cable/satellite service provider.  Essentially, when most built in DVR devices record the already digital television broadcast, they're recording a direct bitstream.. with no recompression.  This may not always be the case though... but when it is.. essentially it depends on how much your cable/satellite company compresses HDTV versus SDtv.

In other words, technically HDtv would take up more space then SD (2 to 6 times more), however if they merely compress the HD feed 2 to 6 times as much.. then it'll take up the same amount of room on the DVR.  I'm willing to bet the answer is likely somewhere in between.  I'm sure HD channels use a higher degree of compression but still utlize more bandwidth then the other channels... thus they'll take up a bit more space on the DVR.  But again.. I can't be sure.. because it would depend on your service provider.  Plus, if the DVR does happen to recompress the video.. then who knows. It might maintain a constant bitrate no matter what it records... in which case HD would take up the same space as SD.. although you'd notice some quality loss.

If you call your service provider (cable/satellite) I'm sure they might be able to tell you. But again.. I bet it does take up a bit more space.  Plus, how much more might depend on the channel... I know certain channels like FoxHD utilize 720p video while stations like DiscoveryHD utilize 1080p... so unless then use compression to maintain a constant bitrate.. then DiscoveryHD programs would take up more space on the DVR.

Answer 4

Hi Matt,

It sure does.

A Series 3 TiVo will record up to 300 hours of SD programming or 32 hours of HD.  HD takes almost 10 times as much space.

Norm