Digital video recorders experienced more national growth than anyother consumer electronics product in the US in 2004, according to new researchby home entertainment and technology tracker Centris.

DVRs gained 119% in household penetration to 6.5million US households,compared to an 83% growth in the number of portable DVD players to 20.5millionhouseholds, 44% growth for digital cameras to 33million households, and a 31%increase in broadband penetration into 25.6million households.

The DVR increasecame from set-top box DVRs provided by DBS and cable providers. Centris'report, based on more than 8,000 consumer surveys, compares against 2003year-end estimates and shows an overall decline in VCR penetration levels.