Report: DVRs set for a bright future

As consumers become more familiar with digital video recorders (DVRs), shipment numbers and interest from consumer-electronics makers are rising, according to a report from research firm In-Stat/MDR. DVRs record television programs, store them on a hard drive for quick access and can temporarily pause live broadcasts. The devices have been very popular among their owners, receiving an 83 percent satisfaction rating, according to an In-Stat/MDR survey, but they haven't amassed the following that many predicted.

However, shipments are expected to rise significantly as manufacturers plan to add DVR features to future products, such as DVD players. Worldwide shipments reached 1.5 million in 2002, and should increase to more than 11 million in 2005, according to In-Stat/MDR. Satellite set-top boxes are expected to be the main driver behind the growth.