DBS/PVR FAQ?

[120inna55]

I know that LNBF is an acronym for "Low Noise Block Feedhorn", but what exactly does it mean?

How exactly does a PVR work?  How does it buffer a program? With all the writing and re-writing of data, why doesn't the HDD wear out sooner? When can I expect it start dying?

Hehehe....I know these are very elementary questions, so I was wondering if anyone can point me in the direction of a comprehensive DBS/PVR FAQ.

[BobaBird]

There is a link on the DBSTalk home page to a list of acronym definitions, also the EKB Glossary (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/231) and the Newbie Page (http://ekb.dbstalk.com/43) which explains LNBF and transponders.

A PVR is always recording what you are watching allowing you to rewind (depending on the model, up to 30 min, 60 min, 1 hr, 2 hr, or unused disk space) or make your own instant replay even on shows you have not set up as a recorded event. The biggest concern with hard drive performance these days seems to be noise rather than reliability.

[120inna55]

That is precisely what I was looking for.  Thanks!