Record HDTV from a Satellite Company

• 1). Choose your HDTV satellite provider such as Dish Network or DirectTV so you can record TV programs.
  
  
• 2). Subscribe to a programming schedule. Select the HD DVR you want to purchase. Renting might also be available.
  
  
• 3). Set up your HD DVR according to the manufacturer's instructions. Select the program you want to record from the menu option. Press "Record" on your remote and your HD program will be recorded at the time you have set.
  
  

Record HDTV from a Cable Company

• 1). Choose a cable company if you are in a location where cable is provided. Search online to check for the best deals. Some cable operators provide HD DVRs for about $10 a month --- a cheaper option than buying a DVR from a satellite company. You also can upgrade to a newer model without the associated cost.
  
  
• 2). Get your DVR set up by following the instruction manual. Most DVRs come with on-screen instructions.
  
  
• 3). Choose your TV program and the time you want to record it. Press the "Record" button.
  
  

Record HDTV on your Computer

• 1). Get an HDTV capture card. There are several manufacturers offering HD cards such as ATI or AverMedia. Additionally, Microsoft's media center offers HDTV upgrades.
  
  
• 2). Install the HDTV capture card. Follow the instructions enclosed with the card. Have your computer handbook nearby for instructions on how to remove the cover.
  
  
• 3). Install the software according to the manufacturer's instructions then proceed to set up the HD programs you want to record on your computer. You might consider getting a separate hard drive as HD will use a large amount of space and could affect your computer's speed to operate other tasks.