• Discover Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

• Evaluate Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Features

• Find Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) on eBay

• Buy Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) With Confidence

Discover Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

Discover Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)

Many cable and satellite TV providers will rent you a DVR for a low monthly fee, but you can save some money in the long haul by getting your own. Make sure the DVR you choose is compatible with your service and look for HD DVRs if you want to record and watch high-definition programming on your HDTV. Popular DVR options include:

• ReplayTV and TiVo: Both ReplayTV and TiVo offer digital video recording service plans that work whether you have over-the-air reception, a cable service, or a satellite service. With your plan, you can use an electronic program guide to scroll through TV listings and schedule recordings for a single episode or every episode of a series, or tell the DVR to record certain types of programs based on your viewing habits.

• Cable DVRs: Most cable services have different cable DVR service packages available. If you prefer not to sign up for a DVR programming service package, look for a brand-name DVR, such as a Sony DVR, Scientific-Atlanta DVR, or Motorola DVR, that can use the always-free TV Guide Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) to find programs and schedule recordings.

• Satellite DVRs: DISH Network DVRs and DirecTV DVRs have built-in satellite tuners and are designed to work exclusively with their respective satellite service providers.

• Hard drive DVD recorders: DVR DVD recorders have built-in hard drives and tuners for DVR functionality and allow you to record home movies and backups to DVDs. Popular brands include Panasonic DVR DVD recorders, RCA DVR DVD recorders, and Pioneer DVR DVD recorders. If you want to transfer your old VHS tapes to DVD, look for a DVR DVD recorder/VHS combo.

If you want to record two shows at one time, or record one show while watching another, look for a dual-tuner DVR, such as TiVo Series2, TiVo Series3, DISH Network dual tuner DVR, or Motorola dual tuner DVR.

Evaluate Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Features

Evaluate Digital Video Recorder (DVR) Features

DVRs and HD DVRs have the same essential functions. Whatever format you prefer, consider the following features.

• DVR capacity: The bigger the DVR's hard drive, the more shows you can record. On eBay, sellers usually tell you how many hours a DVR can save—40 hours, 80 hours, 160 hours, or more. When looking at HD DVRs, you may want to consider more storage space. HD programs are larger than standard program files and a DVR that can record 80 hours of standard programming may only have room for 10 hours of HD programming. If you have any questions about capacity, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile before you bid.

• Buffer length: DVRs use a buffer to record TV shows you're watching, giving you the ability to pause and rewind live programs. Buffer times vary from 30 minutes to 90 minutes and more so you don't miss a moment of your favorite shows.

• DVR networking: Some DVRs allow you to network devices together. That way, if you record a show on the TV in your living room, you can play it back on the TV in your bedroom. You can also use a networking hub to increase the capabilities of your DVR. If you are constantly on the go but still want to keep up with your favorite shows, consider a Slingbox. This device works with your TV and DVR and allows you to watch recorded or live shows on your Internet-connected computer or mobile device from anywhere.

• Online DVR programming: Did you rush out of the house without setting up your DVR to record a special television event? Certain DVR services, such as TiVo, let you go online to manage your DVR recordings.

• Included accessories: Some sellers include a bundled remote control and the cables you'll need to connect your DVR to your TV or home theater system. You can also find DVR cables and DVR remote controls sold individually on eBay.

Find Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) on eBay

Find Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) on eBay

Once you know what type of satellite TV products you want, go to the Consumer Electronics portal, click Satellite TV, and start searching for item listings on eBay.

• Categories: The Categories list on the left side of each page will help you narrow down your listings by item type. You'll find links for Accessories, Dishes, Receivers, High Definition, Receivers, Standard Definition, Systems, and Others. As you dig deeper into the site, you'll also be able to narrow down your choice by brand.

• Keyword search: Search eBay title listings for specific words. For example, if you want to find a brand new HDTV receiver, type "new HDTV receiver” (without the quotation marks) into the search box. Click "Search title and description" to expand your results. Visit eBay's Search Tips page for more tips on searching with keywords.

If you can't find exactly what you want, try shopping eBay Stores, tell the eBay Community what you want by creating a post on Want It Now, or save a search on My eBay and eBay will email you when a match becomes available.

Buy Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) With Confidence

Buy Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) With Confidence

Before making your purchase, make sure you know exactly what you're buying, research your seller, and understand how eBay and PayPal protect you.

Know your purchase

Carefully read the details in item listings.

• Figure delivery costs into your final price. If you spend a lot of money, make sure the seller will insure the item when it ships.

• If you want more information, ask by clicking the "Ask seller a question" link under the seller's profile.

• Always make sure to complete your transaction on eBay (with a bid, Buy It Now, or Best Offer). Transactions conducted outside of eBay are not covered by eBay protection programs.

• Never pay for your eBay item using instant cash wire transfer services through Western Union or MoneyGram. These payment methods are unsafe when paying someone you do not know.

Know your seller

Research your seller so you feel positive and secure about every transaction.

• What is the seller's Feedback rating? How many transactions have they completed? What percentage of positive responses do they have?

• What do buyers say in their Feedback? Did the seller receive praise?

• Most top eBay sellers operate like retail stores and have return policies. Do they offer a money-back guarantee? What are the terms and conditions?

Buyer protection

In the unlikely event that a problem arises during your transaction, eBay and PayPal are there for you.

• Pay safely with PayPal: PayPal enables you to pay without the seller ever seeing your bank account or credit card numbers. In fact, PayPal protects buyers 100% against unauthorized payments from their accounts. Plus, with PayPal Buyer Protection, your purchase can be covered up to $2,000.

• eBay Security & Resolution Center: Visit the Security & Resolution Center to learn how to protect your account and use eBay's quick and efficient resolution tools.