DVRs Are Essential To Households, Study Finds

In the popular TV series Sex and the City, one of the single characters described her relationship to her TiVo DVR with the kind of affection that might be used to talk about a boyfriend. A new report Wednesday from NDS Group indicates that many others feel the same way.

The international survey of 1,000 owners of digital video recorders found that the device has already obtained the status of second-most-essential technology in the household, after mobile phones.

Only Washing Machines, Microwaves Better

Among household appliances, the ability to get hot meals and clean clothes were the only functions ranked higher than being able to easily record TV on a DVR. That's because only washing machines and microwave ovens are considered more indispensable among appliances.

In addition to individuals such as the Sex and the City character, DVRs can be enjoyable for couples as well. The study found that DVR owners with partners say the device "makes for a happier home life." And the level of satisfaction is not limited to the U.S., where 89 percent of Americans say the DVR increases their enjoyment of TV. In Britain, 81 percent of viewers agree, as do 80 percent of Australians and 78 percent of Italians.

Part of the reason is the ease of use, since 61 percent of those surveyed said a DVR is "much easier to operate" than a videocassette recorder. About 58 percent said they are watching more interesting programs, since the DVR allows watching any TV program at any time, without having to record it on a VCR.

In fact, many users want another DVR -- 52 percent of Americans, 30 percent of British, 49 percent of Australians, and 57 percent of Italians.

The London-based NDS has some interest in the results of this survey. It is a provider of DVR technology to pay-TV operators...