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nomad09
Mar 9, 2009, 03:01 AM
Will I be able to use my vcr with the new digital TV?

robertva
Mar 9, 2009, 10:41 AM
Depends on what functions of the VCR you want to use.

Even digital TVs normally have composite video and/or NTSC (analog) RF inputs compatible with the composite video and NTSC RF outputs of most VCRs. This should allow the user to view tapes.

Some terminology:

NTSC - standard for analog TV broadcasting in the US. Currently scheduled to be mostly discontinued Jun 12, 2009.

ATSC - standard for US digital (HD and standard definition Over The Air (OTA) broadcasts

ATSC/QAM- digital standard used by many cable companies. Expect out of town channels to require a rental converter box.

Recording programs with the typical NTSC VCR would require a NTSC signal source like a cable converter, satellite receiver or one of those digital to analog converters intended for use with the US coupon program. Some cable companies might continue making a limited number of NTSC format channels available on their systems for a few years, which would allow the typical VCR to be connected directly to the cable system.

If you end up needing a converter or satellite receiver to record programs you might have to manually set the desired channel on the converter/receiver in advance and be limited to recording programming on that channel unless you have an opportunity to manually change channels between programs.

XOXOlove
Mar 9, 2009, 11:04 AM
You probably can. Have you tried? There is a box that you can try using to connect the vcr to the TV. I'm not sure what it is called but you can also connect a dvd player or other console to it. I don't remember what it is called. It is a usb something... I'm not sure it t will work but it might.