A recent study concluded that the digital video recorder (DVR) is regarded by those who use it as an indispensable technology in their household. 81% of those questioned said they wouldn’t be able to live without their DVR and, more interesting, the tool is also regarded as a relationship savior.  

The DVR was surpassed in the study only by the mobile phone. About 92% of the Americans surveyed said they couldn’t picture their lives without a mobile phone in their hand or pocket.

However, while a mobile phone can be used to reach your boyfriend/girlfriend and try to make up, a DVR seems to prevent disagreements by decreasing the probability of arguments over who watches what TV show, movie or anything else of that sort.

"The results show how fast the DVR has become an indispensable part of many people's lives in the US," said Steve Tranter, NDS America's vice president.

"It's one of those technologies that, once you use it, it makes you wonder how you coped before."

The study was commissioned by DVR software-seller NDS. It was carried out by U.K.-based Consumer Analysis Group in July 2008 in the U.S., U.K., Italy, and Australia and involved 1,012 DVR owners. The people questioned in the survey were aged between 18 and 79.

In a list of non-technological household items, the DVR ranked third behind the washing machine and the microwave oven.

About 79% of the questioned individuals said their relationship was better after purchasing and using a DVR.