# What is PVR?

> Personal Video Recorder

Technology that allows you to record television broadcasts to a digital medium and watch them later.

## Overview
If you cannot watch a live program at that moment, a PVR device records it to its hard drive for you. This way, you can pause, rewind, or watch the broadcast from the beginning whenever you want. Today, most of this functionality is performed automatically by internet-based streaming platforms.

*Analogy: It is similar to copying a book and setting it aside to read whenever you want, instead of reading its pages at that moment.*

## How it works
You press the record button on the device's remote control or set a schedule to have the device record the broadcast automatically.

## Where it is used
It is found in digital satellite receivers, smart televisions, and cable boxes.

## Commonly confused with
It should not be confused with a VCR (video cassette recorder); PVR is entirely digital and does not use cassettes.

## Frequently asked questions
**Are PVR and DVR the same?**
Yes, they technically perform the same function; the term PVR is generally used to emphasize personal devices.

**Why is it still used?**
It is still practical for content that is difficult to watch online, such as live sports events or local broadcasts.


## Related terms
- [IPTV](/en/dictionary/iptv/)
- [Streaming Applications](/en/dictionary/streaming-applications/)
- [Video Editor](/en/dictionary/video-editor/)

## Related tools
- [Sonarr](/en/discover/sonarr/)

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Source: TreScout Dictionary · https://trescout.com/en/dictionary/pvr/