Cox Digital Video Recorder (DVR) is a revolutionary new product that lets Digital Cable customers take unprecedented control of their television viewing.

With DVR, customers will have the freedom to pause and rewind live TV at the touch of a button, even creating their own instant replays.

DVR lets customers conveniently store up to 50 hours of programming - versus just six hours through a traditional VCR - while watching specific shows whenever they want.

Digital Cable customers can conveniently rent their DVR receiver from Cox at a cost of just $5.25 per month. There is also a $9.95 monthly charge for the DVR service.  For more information on this and other digital cable pricing, please check Digital Cable pricing.

What is the difference between a DVR and a traditional VCR?

There are several differences between a DVR and VCR: DVRs store television content in a compressed digital format onto a hard disk drive (like a computer). VCRs use VHS or Beta tapes to store recorded information in analog format.

Because DVRs store information onto a hard disk drive in a compressed format, the storage limitations of tape are avoided. For example, videotapes can only capture approximately six hours of programming, while DVRs can store up to 50 hours.

DVRs allow more sophisticated recording options. For example, a DVR can record an entire season's worth of your favorite show, or every movie starring your favorite actor.

The DVR receiver replaces your existing digital receiver.

I am interested in buying a DVR receiver from my local retail store. Can I use this DVR player with my existing Cox Digital Cable service?

Yes. Existing DVRs are compatible with your Cox Digital Cable service.

However, setting up a DVR system from another vendor with your Cox Cable receiver may be confusing to some users.

If you have Cox Digital Cable, you will likely end up with two separate program guides - the Cox guide and the DVR guide. This will likely be confusing and/or cumbersome.

Will I need to purchase or rent any special equipment to use Cox DVR?

You will be able to conveniently rent a DVR-enabled receiver from Cox for just $5.25 a month. This receiver will replace your existing receiver which you are currently renting at the same price, $5.25.

Besides a television set, there is no additional equipment needed to enjoy Cox Digital Video Recorder.

In addition, customers also pay $9.95 a month for the DVR service itself.

When will Cox DVR be available in my neighborhood?

DVR from Cox Communications is available to all Cox Digital Cable customers now. Customers must subscribe to Cox Digital Cable in order to enjoy DVR service.

How much will Cox DVR cost?

Current Cox Digital Cable customers wishing to subscribe to Cox DVR Service must rent a special receiver from Cox at a price of $5.25 per month, which replaces their existing digital receiver.

In addition, there is a $9.95 charge for the DVR service.

Installation of Cox DVR will be $60.00 for professional installation, or do it yourself and self install for only $29.99!

I am a Basic/Standard Cable customer. Will Cox DVR service be available to me? If not, why?

Customers currently subscribed to either Cox Basic Cable or Cox Standard Cable must upgrade to Cox Digital Cable in order to enjoy Cox DVR service.

Because the technology is so advanced, DVR functionality is only available with a digital receiver.

Do my Program Guide Parental Controls carry over to DVR recordings?

Yes, if you block programs by channel or rating in General Settings, those settings are carried over to DVR recordings.

For example, if you decide to block all R-rated programs in General Settings, the R-rated programs will still be recorded, but you cannot play them back until you enter the correct PIN.

Because this is a new receiver to your home, you will need to reset the parental controls you placed on the former receiver.

I am a Cox HDTV customer. Is your new DVR product compatible with my existing HDTV service?

Customers with Cox HDTV can now sign up for Cox High-Definition DVR Service.

Can Pay Per View (PPV) or On Demand (OD) programs be recorded?

PPV programs may be recorded after they have been purchased. Once a PPV program has been recorded, you can use VCR-like controls similar to viewing an EOD program. Currently, On Demand programs cannot be recorded on your DVR.

The Cox DVR Service will alert you when your DVR's hard disk drive is nearly full.  The option to automatically erase the oldest programs when disk space is needed to record new programs is available in your DVR's setup options, so you don’t need to worry about making space for new programs.

How do I prevent my DVR from automatically erasing programs when it needs more space?

To make sure a specific program is not automatically erased when more space is needed, use the recording options in the Saved Shows screen and set the program to “save until manually erased.”