[meldl42]

The Panasonic DVR is model DMR-XW480. The Sony VCR is useless now that everything has gone digital and we want to be able to still use it to record those shows the DVR can't when both tuners are in use. So is it possible to set it up this way and if so, how? I need actual instructions as in which cables go where PLEASE?

If it can't be done via the DVR, how do I connect a Set Top Box to the TV and VCR so I can do it that way?

Thanks so much for the help.

[FadedMaster]

You would need a digital converter box in order to record TV shows on your VCR.

You should just be able to run antenna into the DVR, out from there, into the converter box and into the VCR. This is assuming that the DVR still outputs the full range signal and doesn't just output on channel 3 or 4.

If it outputs on channel 3 or 4 to display a signal on your TV, then you will need a coax splitter. You will want to send one signal to the DVR and the other line to the converter box. You'll still want to go out from the converter box into the VCR.

Keep in mind that you will need to tune the channels on the converter box and you will always be recording from channel 3 or 4 on the VCR from the converter box. And whatever happens on the converter box will be recorded. So if someone changes channels on it, you will see the surfing channels on your recording.

The easiest thing to do would be to get a DVD recorder with a built in digital tuner.

[meldl42]

Thank you so much for your help. I'm not sure what a converter box is or what you mean about channels 3 or 4. Maybe that's something unique in America? I'm in Australia. Then again, that's why I'm here - to learn about this stuff. This is really confusing to me! However, I did manage to FINALLY get it working via the Set Top Box after lots more googling and a LOT of trial and error. (We already had a STB so it was good to make use of it.) Honestly, I am so BAD at this.

You're absolutely right, though. A DVD recorder with a built in digital tuner is definitely the best idea. We have one of those, we just needed the backup as everything has converted to digital now and the VCRs were rendered useless. As TV junkies the one DVD recorder wasn't cutting it and it was a real waste not being able to use the VCR.

Anyway, thank you again. Now I'm going to research converter boxes!

[FadedMaster]

Converter boxes are what they were called here in the States. It's essentially a digital tuner box -- a set top box.

I'm not sure what digital tuner you use in Australia but in the States we use an ATSC digital tuner for the new over the air (OTA) broadcasts.

[meldl42]

OK that's great then - we're talking about the same thing after all! We use the DVB-T digital television standard here which was first developed in Europe (I had to Google that - I had no idea!)

Thank you SO much for your help. It's working really well, actually, and is so great to have another means of recording again.