Will my Video Recorder/ DVD still work?
A video recorder or a DVD player/recorder will still be able to play video tapes or DVDs on to an old or new TV, but will not be able to record digital TV off-air unless they have a Freeview decoder built-in. Unfortunately, the marketing people have confused the issue by describing everything from toasters to headphones as "digital" and, even though your DVD recorder may declare itself to be digital (which is technically true), it may not be able to receive a digital TV signal.
If it is capable of receiving "Freeview" it can!
All is not lost though, apart from still being able to play back pre-recorded items, these machines can usually still be set-up to record whatever your TV is tuned to - or you could add a dedicated set-top box just for your Video/DVD recorder (neither solution is ideal, but it's something)!
What's a PVR/DTR?
Personal Video Recorders/Digital TV Recorders are a fairly recent invention and record programmes on to a hard disk (much like a computer). All but the oldest machines (including Tivo) will work with Freeview, and many will be able to record more than one programme at a time and allow you to pause and rewind live TV.
Click this link for further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Video_Recorder
Sky TV has a similar arrangement for satellite TV called Sky Plus as does BT with their V-box.
Freesat are also soon to release a dual tuner/recorder.
From personal experience, I would recommend a dual tuner/hard disc recorder (any of the above) as these are able to pause live TV AND record another programme simultaneously. Once acquired, you will never want to watch TV any other way - which means you don't need a new TV to view digital, this box can connect to your existing TV!
The interconnection of these various devices can be complicated and Peak Electrics is happy to assist.
