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DVR vs. TiVO - Win, lose or draw?

How many times have you watched a TV program only to be interrupted by a phone call during the most critical time in the action? Or, what about missing that incredible play during the big game? It wasn't that long ago when I would say, "Wait, what was that? I missed it." Well, thanks to the invention of DVR or digital video recording, we'll never have to miss a single minute of our favorite television shows or events ever again.

The first DVRs were introduced to the general public in 1999. The unit features a hard drive that stores all the shows that you have programmed. Certain devices can hold up to 1,350 hours of standard definition programming. Stocking up on bulky VHS tapes and attempting to set the timer on your VCR are no longer necessary. Now, it only takes a couple of button pushes on your remote control and entire seasons of your favorite shows are ready for recording.

TiVo was the first brand of DVRs that became widely known. Its popularity was so great that the name quickly became the broad term for recording a show with your DVR – "I TiVoed last night's episode of Survivor."

Today, satellite or cable television providers such DirecTV, Comcast and AT&T offer a variety of packages that include DVR units. It's amazing to have the ability to pause live TV, rewind a program as you watch it, and record multiple shows at one time. One other benefit is the ability to fast forward past those pesky commercials.

My wife has taken the digitally recorded program to the next level. She avoids all commercials and forwards to the scenes that feature her favorite characters. A full hour show has actually been compressed to less than 10 minutes. The invention of the DVR has certainly changed the way TV is viewed.

Has the DVR or TiVo changed your television viewing habits?