Unlike analog VCRs, the Philips Tivo receiver/server encodes and decodes in the digital domain and stores compressed audio-video data to a computer hard disk. When you're ready to watch a preselected program, the Philips Tivo retrieves it upon command from a list of shows you've recorded. The most revolutionary aspect of the server, however, is the ability to pause live broadcasts and either resume the program where you left off or return to the broadcast.