Modern TVs are often fitted with USB ports, and its not uncommon for external peripherals to take advantage of this added functionality. On such peripheral is a recording device, of which comes in several different formats.

USB Recording allows you to record TV programs to an external storage device directly connected to one of your TVs USB ports. Your external HDD then functions in a similar way to a videorecorder. You can even use it to pause live TV.

To make use of this, first check if your TV supports USB recording. From 2010 onwards, the main TV manufacturers such as Samsung, Sony, LG, Philips, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sharp, Grundig have it implemented in (some of) their models. Look for stickers or logos such as: USB Rec/Play, USB Recording, PVR (Personal Video Recorder), DVR (Digital Video Recorder).

If you are unsure.check your TV manufacturer’s website or your user manual.