5 September 2008
Digital video recorders (DVRs) are now seen as essential household items by 70% of the British population, according to new research. A survey commissioned by the digital pay TV solutions provider NDS revealed that seven out of ten consumers believe they cannot live without their device. Respondents said DVRs help to reduce household arguments by allowing families to record digital TV programmes and watch them at more convenient times. And 81% of Brits said having a DVR has made them enjoy watching digital TV even more than they did before they bought the appliance. Nigel Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at NDS, said: "The results show how fast the DVR has become an indispensable part of many people's lives in the UK." Many DVRs now feature built-in Freeview, which may be an essential piece of kit for some households once the digital switchover is complete. The process will take place between 2008 and 2012 and the Border region will be the first - with the exception of Whitehaven which made the switch last year - to see its analogue signals turned off.