A device receives a request for a digital video recorder (DVR) to record digital contents. The device identifies the digital contents using metadata included in the request, such as a channel and a time associated with the digital contents, to access additional metadata from an electronic program guide (EPG), such as an identifier. The device uses the additional metadata from the EPG to determine whether the digital contents are available via video on demand (VOD). For example, the device may compare the identifier and/or other metadata for the digital contents to metadata associated with VOD content, such as a VOD catalog. The device may selectively prevent the DVR from recording the digital contents if the digital contents are available via VOD.