FAQ's -Digital Video Recording (DVR)
What is DVR?
How do I get DVR service?
How long can I keep my DVR recordings?
Does the DVR record the program guide, audio volume changes, or anything else that appears on the screen when you use the remote’s keys?
How many recordings can I schedule for the future?
Can I record a program in Dolby Digital 5.1?
Can I record from the beginning if I started watching a program-in-progress and want to record it on my DVR?
Is there any way that I can tell how much recording time is left on my DVR?
What happens if the DVR temporarily loses power?
What is the picture quality of recorded programs?
Will I be able to record more than one program at a time with my DVR?
For how long will I be able to pause live television with my DVR?
Will I be able to record and view HDTV programs on my DVR?
Will I have to get a second cable box, or any new equipment to get DVR?
How do I schedule a recording on my DVR?
How will I know when I am almost out of recording space on my DVR?
How do I know if my DVR is recording something?
What is DVR?
DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. With DVR, you can easily record your favorite shows without tapes, without a VCR, or without troublesome timers. With the touch of a button, you can pause live TV, view an instant replay, rewind your favorite scenes, or play your show in slow motion.
You can capture a single episode, movie, or game, or set your DVR to always record your favorite show. If you have a dual-tuner DVR you can record one show while watching another.
Generally, you can store up to 100 hours of standard definition programming and up to 50 hours of HDTV programming.
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How do I get Rainier Connect DVR service?
Rainier Connect DVR service is available to Digital Cable Customers. To sign up for new service please call us at 253.683.4100.
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How long can I keep my DVR recordings?
You can keep them as long as you want. Just remember, the recording space is limited, so you may need to delete some recorded programs from time to time in order to make room for new ones.
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Does the DVR record the program guide, audio volume changes, or anything else that appears on the screen when you use the remote’s keys?
No. The DVR records only the video and audio of the program you have selected. It will not record other items such as the menu if you access the program guide.
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How many recordings can I schedule for the future?
There is no limit to the number of recordings you can schedule as long as you have available recording space and there isn’t a scheduling conflict – only two programs can record at the same time.
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Can I record a program in Dolby Digital 5.1?
Yes! As long as the program is being broadcast in Digital Audio, the DVR will record the digital audio portion.
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Can I record from the beginning if I started watching a program-in-progress and want to record it on my DVR?
This depends on the model of DVR that you have. Some built-in DVRs include the entire portion of the program that is stored in the buffer in your recording, while others will start the recording from the moment you press record.
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Is there any way that I can tell how much recording time is left on my DVR?
The DVR box cannot provide you with an exact amount of hours available since hours available depends on the type of programs you record. Your DVR will tell you how much of your hard drive is filled, from that you can make your own assumptions on remaining hours based on the programming your plan to record.
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What happens if the DVR temporarily loses power?
All recordings that were saved prior to the power loss are preserved, as well as future recordings scheduled. You miss only the recordings that were scheduled to record while the power was out.
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What is the picture quality of recorded programs?
The DVR records programs in the same quality they are broadcast in. Broadcast quality may vary.
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Will I be able to record more than one program at a time with my DVR?
Yes, if you have a dual-tuner DVR. Rainier Connect only offers dual-tuner DVRs. Having two tuners allows you to watch one show while you record another, to record two shows and watch a third pre-recorded show, and to swap between two live shows with the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind the shows on each channel.
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For how long will I be able to pause live television with my DVR?
DVR allows you to pause a standard-definition program for approximately 45 minutes, or an HDTV program for approximately 15 minutes. The amount of time you can pause live TV varies based on the type of program you are watching. In fact, some digital programs can be paused for up to 90 minutes.
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Will I be able to record and view HDTV programs on my DVR?
Yes, you will be able to record and store HD programs on your DVR. The amount of hours you can store on your DVR varies by model and is dependent on how many standard-definition programs you have already recorded.
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Will I have to get a second cable box, or any new equipment to get DVR?
No, a second receiver is not required to enjoy Rainier Connect’s DVR service. Unlike many other DVR service providers, there is no equipment to buy and no upfront equipment fee. If you already have Rainier Connect Digital Video service, we will provide a new digital receiver with DVR functionality to replace your current one. If you will be upgrading to digital video to receive DVR service, you will receive a new digital receiver with DVR functionality.
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How do I schedule a recording on my DVR?
- Press the 'Guide' button on your remote (this will bring up the TV listings menu)
- Select a listing
- Press the 'Record' button on your remote
- You can also press the 'Record' button while you are watching live TV, or you can also select the 'Record' icon on the program information screen.
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How will I know when I am almost out of recording space on my DVR?A message will appear on-screen advising you when recording space is low or full.
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How do I know if my DVR is recording something?
The red recording light on the front of your DVR will light up.