Not necessarily. When a set-top box's principal function is reception and the recording capability is secondary, it may be classified under the television reception apparatus heading rather than 8521. Classification depends on which function is principal; if recording is the defining commercial purpose, 8521 is more appropriate. A binding ruling is recommended for integrated devices.

852110 covers VHS, Betamax, and similar tape-based recorders and players. 852190 captures everything else: DVD/Blu-ray recorders, hard-disk-drive recorders, solid-state video recorders, and similar non-tape formats. Given the near-obsolescence of consumer tape formats, most current commercial shipments fall under 852190.