A DVR card is used in DVR equipment to store information and to help the equipment function. DVR stands for digital video recorder. A DVR has a host of functions for controlling digital media. Live TV can be paused; events, programs and movies can be recorded. There are playback features and a host of other up to the minute features available with a DVR.

Satellite and DVR

The satellite industry introduced its first DVR back in the nineteen nineties; they took off like rockets everywhere. Everyone wanted one and everyone got one. The DVR can record programs and movies directly from the satellite system; it requires the card that is validated by the satellite system before sending the signal through the DVR box. The card is used a security feature to make sure no one is getting anything for free. It is a computer coded card that can be read by the satellite system. The card holds account information, viewing preferences and a host of other information regarding the customer of the satellite company.

Cable and DVR

Cable companies soon followed the satellite companies in offering DVR boxes with their services. The cable boxes that have DVR capabilities also use a card to share information and to make sure the service is being paid for. Without the card in place and being legitimate the cable will not feed a picture through to the TV set.

Where Does a Card Come From?

It is usually part of the satellite install or the cable install. It is placed in a specific spot on the DVR box and information is immediately uploaded to the server from the card, this information will tell the satellite or the cable company's server exactly what programming packages were picked and other pertinent information. Every once and a while the card will have to be replaced either as part of normal maintenance activities or because there has been some system upgrades requiring the card to be changed. If the card has to be changed out as part of a normal system upgrade or as part of periodic maintenance than the cable or satellite company will send a new card with instructions on how to change it out. If the card picks up a virus or somehow stops suddenly working, than a call to the cable or satellite company is warranted and they will send out a new one. There will be no service until the new one is installed.



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