A DVR is a digital video recorder (DVR) that records motion video in a digital format to a hard disk. This can include various models such as stand-alone, PC, television, cable or satellite. Software enables personal computers to extract segments of video for playback from the hard disk. Closed circuit television (CCTV) has replaced analog VCR's with digital video recorders. 

These electronic devices formerly stored images on magnetic videotape for playback. Video cassette recorders have been replaced by technology with digital video recorders. The result is a pure digital picture of the highest quality for playback, recording and video archiving.