DVR files are created by digital video recording devices with Windows Media Center tool. DVR is a generic multimedia format for recording, storing, and playing television broadcasts. This format is commonly used in CCTV systems and digital TV tuners.

Besides the actual video recording, DVR file contains information about the video content and recording time. DVR format has the advantage over more popular ASF as it offes more additional functions, such as simulaneous read and write, live pause, and time offset option.