A DVD video recorder is proposed that frees viewers from restrictions
on when a program can be viewed by allowing a program to be played whi
le the recorder continues to record other programs. This recorder also
makes recording, viewing, searching and managing programs much easier
than with a conventional VCR. The recorder consists of two MPEG1+ vid
eo encoders, one MPEG2 decoder, a DVD drive with a disk changer, and a
hard-disk-drive.