Don’t throw away your money on therapy sessions if your relationship is in trouble, buy a DVR! According to a worldwide study conducted in four countries by, ahem, DVR manufacturer NDS owning a DVR unit brings couples closer together.

Their survey was conducted in Italy, the UK, the US and Australia, on a total of 1000 people. Apparently 64% of British, 81% of American, 76% of Australian and 82% of Italian interviewees stated that owning a DVR has improved their life as a couple.

The main reasons cited for this is that respondents no longer argued with their partner over what to watch as they now were able to record programs which were on at the same time and watch them later, and they could also plan family evenings together.

One would think though that actual communication, activities and time spent together would serve to improve a relationship more than the wonderful ability to stay glued to the TV even longer, barring the restriction of simultaneously broadcast programs. And if you’ve got nothing better to do as a couple, isn’t your relationship already in trouble, for altogether different reasons? Psychology is however outside the scope of this article so back to the matter at hand.

DVRs are becoming increasingly common in households as many cable companies offer free models for new subscribers. For those who are ready to shell out $600 there are versions that can store as much as 1 TB. They are the new step in home video recording, and whether or not they’ll improve your marriage, they’re certain to have an effect on the way people watch TV in the future.