We got this particular DVD recorder because digital recorders won't work properly at our new place (the way the satellite is already wired in the building doesn't allow for sky plus boxes to pause or record TV properly). We both were used to and loved the function of pausing live tv, and this recorder with it's chasing playback brings us as close as we can get. It lets you watch a show while you record it, so you basically can pause "live" tv (it's actually about a second later than live) and you can rewind if you missed something. Note that the chasing playback only works if you use DVD RAM disks, which are more expensive, but are long-lasting. We bought a pack of five and are still just recording over the first one over and over.