Check out some similar questions!

countryfan55 · Jun 18, 2011, 03:05 PM

Now that everything must run through a box with Comcast and a DVR is only a momentary recording, I want to be able to record from my TV. I have a DVD/VCR combo with a tuner, a HDTV and a HD Cable box. Based on all of my readings I have then all connected properly. But to be sure here goes:

HDMI cable from Comcast box to HDMI 1 on TV. Component cables from Comcast Box to DVD/VCR combo, and HDMI cable from DVD/VCR to HDMI 2.

To have a working TV, my source has to be HMDI 1, and to watch a DVD my source has to be HDMI 2. This is according to about 100 articles I have read on here.

I cannot have my TV on HDMI 1 and HDMI 2 at the same time to record a program. If I have the TV on I am recording snow, if I have the DVD/VCR on, there is nothing to record.

What else is there that I can do. I understand that I have to watch what I am recording, but sure would like to know how.

I am so confused!
Thanks
Countryfan55

FadedMaster · Jun 18, 2011, 03:55 PM

I have not seen a DVD/VCR combo that has component input. Perhaps you mean composite? Composite is the yellow, white, and red connections.

When you program a recording, you must not program a channel, but instead choose to record from whichever input you connected your cable box to on your DVD/VCR (usually Line 1 or Line 2).

Then whatever is going on with your cable box is what is recorded. This means that if someone picks up the remote to the cable box and begins flipping channels or looking at the guide, this will be recorded.

Another way to set this up, if you want to be able to record one thing while watching another, is to use a cable splitter, and run one into your cable box, and the other into your DVD/VCR's tuner. Then all you have to do is to switch to HDMI 2, setup the programming (this time you can choose the channel... after of course performing a channel scan), then you can flip back to HDMI 1 worry free. This limits you to basic cable of course.

countryfan55 · Jun 18, 2011, 05:31 PM

Thanks so much. As for the cable splitter, what would I do exactly?

FadedMaster · Jun 18, 2011, 06:28 PM

There would be an input and two outputs. The line coming from, presumably, the wall, would go to the input, then you would have a cable line go out from one of the two outputs to the cable box, the other to the ANT/CABLE input of your DVD/VCR.

countryfan55 · Jun 18, 2011, 06:40 PM

And thanks once again! Since you have to have a digital adapter for everything now, am I correct in assuming it won't work. Something would have to split after the box to be able to record a different channel at the same time, wouldn't it?

FadedMaster · Jun 18, 2011, 10:03 PM

You only need digital converter boxes for antenna. Since you have cable, you will still be able to get basic cable on any analog TV, etc.

countryfan55 · Jun 19, 2011, 09:08 AM

Around here we have to have adapter boxes on all TVs to get any stations beyond network stations. Comcast has got us under their thumb. After the 2nd box, they charge $1.99 per month per adapter box. Wish I could get a little extra with all I have to pay. Do you remember when the reason you paid for cable TV was so you didn't have commercials? Now you can't watch anything but the bare basics without paying and then you get the commercials too! The school where I teach is a business partner with Comcast and we don't get cable TV anymore at school because of the change. Thanks so much for your help though! I had my fingers crossed.

FadedMaster · Jun 19, 2011, 08:09 PM

Well, they're under no legal obligation to require it. Guess they probably just used the digital switch as an excuse.

countryfan55 · Jun 19, 2011, 08:58 PM

WOW, sounds like time for a Comcast revolt.