Improving storage efficiency for a digital video recorder is provided. It is determined whether television programming is being presented on a high definition channel or a standard definition channel. The television programming is recorded using the digital video recorder in response to determining that the television programming is being presented on a standard definition channel without making any resolution changes to the television programming. It is determined whether the content of the television programming originates in high definition or standard definition. When the television programming originates in standard definition, it is determined whether a corresponding standard definition channel is available. In response to determining the corresponding channel is available, the television programming is recorded in standard definition from the corresponding channel. Otherwise, the television programming is downscaled on the high definition channel to a standard definition resolution.