DVR system

A digital video recorder (DVR) and method of recording including a tuner for receiving available content, a memory for storing selectable status parameters indicating functionality of the digital video recorder, a telephone answering device for receiving voice signals and caller ID signals representing a telephone message from a caller and converting the voice signals and caller ID signals into digital signals, and a processor, which performs operations on the available content from the tuner, which directs storage of the digital signals to a storage device and controls playback of the storage signals of the telephone message to be output at a display device and controls a display of a plurality of status parameters based on received commands to access a memory so as to display one or more of the plurality of status parameters. The DVR of the present invention may include one or more tuners and one or more processors. The DVR method and apparatus also performs a wide variety of functions, which enhance the viewing ability of a user.