I have a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3250 HD set top box, which is not interfacing well with my Pioneer DVR 533H DVD Recorder.

With Cable (coax) going IN to the set top box, and cable out (coax)going out of the same box and going IN to the DVD Recorder, (with DVD out going to the HD TV), the HD TV portion is working perfectly. There are component video cables etc. connected elsewhere, according to recommended installation instructions, and I am able to watch standard and HD programs normally.

The problem starts when I need to access the tuner within the DVD recorder needed to record TV programs. The tuner is not getting a signal. (Note: My DVD Recorder is not HD capable; however, the DVD Recorder isn't recognizing a cable signal, period. I checked online, and discovered that the set top box works with a VCR (on cable out) but doesn't mention DVD specifically, suggesting that the box is pretty old. If I connect the cable in directly to the DVD recorder (bypassing the box completely), the DVD Recorder functions perfectly.

What do you suggest? (I'd prefer not having to replace the DVD Recorder with a PVR at this time). Thanks!

If you are using the Cable out to DVR, that is tuned by the Scientific Atlanta Box.
Can you use composite out of cable box into DVR?

Re: Connection of composite cable from Set Top Box to DVD Recorder

I'm unclear as to how to make that work. The only available jacks left on the box are Audio Out L and R. Would I not need a video jack also?

All other RCA jacks on the Set Top Box are in use for connecting the A / V Receiver. There is also a receptable for Optical Audio Out, one for DVI, one for S-Video, and 2 for connection of IEEE1394 devices.

Can you go from cable box, to DVR, then to A/V receiver?
They do make audio/video amplifiers that has 2 or more composite(red/white/yellow) or other outputs.