How to Record TV Shows [5 Ways + Tutorials]

With so much content available today, keeping up with live TV shows, sports events, and streaming programs can be challenging. Studies show that 78% of working professionals have missed important broadcasts due to work commitments. Traditional solutions like replay features are often limited by platform restrictions and regional copyright issues.

Here, the best 5 ways are introduced, and you will be shown how to use them to record TV shows.

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Part I. Can You Record TV Shows Without a DVR

In fact, although it’s a bit difficult to record TV shows without a DVR, the answer is yes.

Traditionally, a DVR is a dedicated device for recording TV shows, automatically capturing your favorite programs by connecting to the TV signal. However, not everyone owns a DVR or wants to spend a significant amount of money on purchasing additional hardware. Fortunately, there are still other ways to record TV shows.

If you prefer a more convenient solution, you can use screen recording software on your computer to record TV shows. These tools record both the video and audio by capturing the screen content and even support scheduled recording, allowing you to automatically record full TV programs even when you're not at home.

Part II. How to Record TV Shows?

Way 1How to Record TV Shows with Kingshiper Screen Recorder

Kingshiper Screen Recorder is an easy-to-use screen recorder for Windows PC, designed to capture anything on your screen with six flexible modes, including full screen, custom area, specific application window, webcam, audio-only, and split-screen. It also includes handy features like scheduled recording, custom watermarks, and on-screen annotations. With multiple quality settings available, it ensures high-quality recordings for any major video platform.

The general steps are as follows:

Step 1. Launch Kingshiper Screen Recorder. There are 6 modes for screen recording. Choose “Specific Window”; this tool will allow you to capture a certain application.

Step 2. Choose to record the “System Sound Only” and after that click on the “Record” button to begin the process. Also, you can go to the “Prefs” to adjust your audio or video settings.

Step 3. (Optional) If you want to it can automatically start the recording when you’re away. You can click on the “Task” icon > “Add Task” to schedule a recording.

Step 4. After recording, the video will be saved in your default output folder. You can check the file in the “Videos” list interface.

Way 2How to Record TV Shows on YouTube

For those who want to record YouTube TV shows, this method is more straightforward. This platform comes equipped with native recording capabilities, so you don’t need to use other third-party programs.

Steps to record YouTube TV shows:

Step 1. Download and install YouTube TV on your computer, or you can visit the online website via a browser.

Step 2. Log in to your account using your Google account.

Step 3. Browse the program guide to find the Shows you want to record, or use the search bar to look up specific content.

Step 4. Once you find the desired TV shows, click the “+” icon and select “Add to Library.” This saves the content to your media library.

Step 5. If the Show is newly updated or live, you can directly click the “+” button or “Add to Library” to start recording.

Step 6. Recorded Shows are automatically saved to your media library, where you can access and play them anytime on any device. YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud storage, and recordings are kept for 9 months.

Way 3How to Record TV Shows with Total Recorder

The third option is to use another simple screen recorder, Total Recorder. Featuring an intuitive interface and user-friendly operation, it's perfect for users who want a stress-free recording experience. The software supports multiple recording formats and is renowned for its powerful functionality, allowing anyone to start using it quickly and efficiently.

Below are the steps to record TV shows using Total Recorder:

Step 1. Download and install the Total Recorder. Launch it and select the “Scheduler” menu to create a recording job.

Step 2. Click “New” to open the Schedule item dialog. In the “Comment” field, give a name to your recording and select “Record” as the job type.

Step 3. Choose the recording date and time in the “Start/Stop Time” panel.

Step 4. Select the audio source you want to record and choose the output format, such as MP4, AVI, or MP3.

Step 5. Finally, click “OK,” and the recording will run automatically at the set time.

Way 4How to Record TV Shows with Iris

Iris is a screen recorder that lets you easily schedule recordings on your Mac computer, including TV shows. With its scheduling feature, you can set up recordings in advance, so you won’t miss your favorite shows, even if you’re away from your computer.

Step 1. Go to your Finder and launch the Iris icon, select “New Recording”.

Step 2. Click the timer icon on the main interface to create a scheduled recording.

Step 3. Set the start and stop times from the dropdown menus under "Start recording" and "Stop recording".

Step 4. Click "Record", and this app will automatically start capturing the TV show on your screen at the scheduled time.

Way 5How to Record TV Shows with Icecream Screen Recorder

Icecream Screen Recorder is a smart screen recorder for Windows users to record TV shows, functioning like an "automated recorder" for your computer. It not only supports regular screen capture by offering precise scheduling features, allowing you to set both the recording area and the time plan in advance.

Here’s how to record TV shows with this tool:

Step 1. Launch the program on your computer. Click on the “Tasks” option to open the panel.

Step 2. Click the “+New task” button.

Step 3. Open the TV shows and choose the screen area you want to record.

Step 4. Set the start and stop times for the recording and name your recording.

Part III. How to Edit Your Recording?

Tired of complicated, limited in features, or too expensive video editing apps? Unlike other tools that only offer basic editing functions, Kingshiper Video Converter takes your video editing experience to the next level! Whether you need to convert formats, merge videos, compress files, split, rotate, adjust speed, or reverse playback, Kingshiper Video Converter gives you a more efficient and comprehensive solution with an intuitive, user-friendly interface.

What’s more, while other apps lock essential features behind high paywalls, Kingshiper not only provides a free trial, but also allows you to choose the features you need—no unnecessary charges!

• All-in-one video converter and editor – Over 15 video processing tools supported
• Multiple formats support – Compatible with over 1000 audio and video formats, ensuring flexibility and compatibility
• Super-fast conversion – With powerful performance, complete video conversions in just seconds, saving you time
• Batch processing – Easily import, edit, convert, and export multiple files at once for improved efficiency

The Bottom Line

To sum up, recording TV shows is simple with tools like YouTube TV Shows Recorder, Total Recorder, or Iris. Each tool has its unique advantages to ensure a smooth recording process. If you're looking for a comprehensive solution compatible with multiple devices and platforms, Kingshiper Screen Recorder stands out with its smooth performance but also provides additional features like adding watermarks and keystroke effects.