How do I do the wiring in order to view one channel and record another? I have an older RCA TV, a digital cable box and the MDR513H

I assume the cavble box is not a DVR, and the "MDR513H" is a recorder, correct?

You can't do what you want without finding another video source (other than the cable box) for either the channel you want to watch or the channel you want to record. For example you could use an antenna as input to the TV while you're recording from the cable box. But perhaps the best solution is get a DVR from your cable provider - it'll cost a few extra $$ per month, but is worth it (especially on Sunday nights when there are so many "must watch" TV shows on).

MAGNAVOX

Download the manual and any software upgrades you need for your older recorder. There is also a support number in the link.

I don't know if it will give you DVR/different channel view capability though, and its unlikely.

The question is whether that record has a separate tuner. If it does, then you can record non scrambled channels while watching the trough the cable box, by splitting the signal before it goes into the cable box. But if you want to record from cable and watch something else from cable, you need 2 cable boxes or a DVR feature.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

The question is whether that record has a separate tuner. If it does, then you can record non scrambled channels while watching the trough the cable box, by splitting the signal before it goes into the cable box. But if you want to record from cable and watch something else from cable, you need 2 cable boxes or a DVR feature.

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What is a DVR feature. Yes the HDDVR has its own digital tuner.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

The question is whether that record has a separate tuner. If it does, then you can record non scrambled channels while watching the trough the cable box, by splitting the signal before it goes into the cable box. But if you want to record from cable and watch something else from cable, you need 2 cable boxes or a DVR feature.

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Would splitting the signal AFTER it leaves the cable box work? If not, I do have a second cable box but would need to know the wiring sequence.

DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. It is a feature of many cable systems that allow you to record shows onto digital storage. What is the HDDVR you refer to? Is that the Magnavox?

No splitting AFTER the cable box won't work because the outbound signal is already tuned to a channel.

In order to do that (split the signal before the cable box and record one channel while watching another) on my Comcast digital signal, I would have to have another digital adapter on the extra line that was split off . Actually. if some one (with same signal as mine) wanted to watch/record different channels frequently, they could obtain another digital adapter for $1.99 per month in my area. The only other option (there again, with my Comcast service) is to split the signal before the existing cable box, purchase another DVD Recorder w/digital tuner and they are not easy to find and the only one I have been able to find is about $ 250.

Yes it is a Magnavox and yes it can record to either a dvd or to hard drive. Guess I'll have to go with a second cable box.Much thanks for all of your help. I thought I was going to go crazy trying to making something work that can't work!

Don't know about your cable provider or procedures in your area, but since about 2009 in my region, the "raw" signal from Comcast is coded and can only be used once it has gone through a specifically pre-programmed digital Comcast adapter. When you get your extra adapter/cable box it will most likely have to be activated by your cable company (by phone or online) before you can use it. Good luck.