Final answer:
The device that allows customers to record programming for later viewing is the Digital video recorder (DVR). It records digital video to a storage device and offers features like pausing live TV and skipping commercials. DVRs, along with streaming services, have changed the way we watch TV by offering more flexibility in how and when we view content.
Step-by-step explanation:
The device that allows customers to record programming that can be watched at a later time is the Digital video recorder (DVR). A DVR is an electronic device that records videos in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card, SSD, or other local or networked mass storage device. The main function of a DVR is the ability to record and play back TV shows and movies at the customer's convenience, often including features like pausing live TV, skipping commercials, and watching programs that have already been aired.
Individuals can use DVRs in conjunction with cable and satellite providers who offer a range of services, including on-demand programming. While on-demand services like Netflix allow viewers to stream content instantly, DVRs provide the flexibility to record shows and view them anytime, even if the content includes commercials that cannot be skipped. DVRs have become integral to the home entertainment experience alongside developments like the DVD and more recently streaming services which have transformed the way people consume media.
Overall, from early forms of entertainment systems like the VCR and DVD to more recent advancements including DVR and streaming services, the landscape of television consumption has evolved to accommodate the growing desire of consumers to watch content on their terms.