Phillips DVDR3575H 37 won't record OTA??

[Gritz]

I can't record both local OTA and DirecTv satellite TV.

I just purchased a Phillips DVDR3575H 37 so I could record local OTA which connects directly to my Kuro Plasma TV via its Antenna A input as well as shows from my DirecTv HD receiver which connects to my TV via it's HDMI input. Since I don't have DirecTv's Local Service I use 2 inputs to my TV which are easily selectable, and I would like to record from both. I routed my RF roof antenna cable through the Phillips receiver antenna in, then out to the TV's Antenna A connector. I also ran cables from DirecTv's S-Video + RCA audio out to the Phillips inputs. I can record DirecTv .... I can't record local OTA. I've tried to scan the channels as per instructions ... but it does not appear that it will work the way I've tried to set it up. I did get one recording .... but it was OTA analog ... and very poor. When I selected the channel to record I got only the basic channel ... non of the sub channels ...so I'm assuming that's why I got the analog. The Phillips manual gives NO diagram for including local OTA cabling.

So my question is ..... what is the best way to connect for my system??

I'm looking at the back of DirecTv's HD receiver and it has an unused "OFF AIR ANTENNA" RF connector. I attempted to use this same input on an older STB and it failed. So I am assuming that since DirecTv "sells" local service that my connecting to this input would not work and I can't find an explanation in the manual. Why is it there? And if so, is it selectable via the remote?

And even if it is ..... do I need to scan in both satellite channels as well as local channels??

This is all very confusing .... so any light anyone can shed will be greatly appreciated.

[Krispy Kritter]

The recorder won't "scan" the SAT channels. The SAT box decodes the channels and outputs the video. You are simply recording a video feed.

As to the OTA channels, you will have to scan for those channels with the recorder. Any available channels, it should then place into memory.

[Gritz]

Thanks Krispy .... I DO think I am gaining. I did get it to record both inputs now .... although the steps to do each don't seem all that clear. Hopefully as I use it more it will seem more friendly.

I'm still confused about the "OFF AIR" connector on the DirecTv box though .... and wondering running the antenna line through it would work ... or even if it would ... is there any advantage or usefullness?

I appreciate ....

[Krispy Kritter]

Even if you connected the antenna into the DirecTV box, you would still need two inputs into your recorder. Your DirecTV box is likely connected to a line-in input on your recorder and the recorder won't tune channels on the line-in.

[Gritz]

Thanks Krispy .... I'm up and running. Local OTA is via my recorder's inputs and DirecTv via the S-Video out from the DirecTv Receiver. I program the DVDR for the correct input at the right time and it works. It was a little confusing at first and I appreciate the input.

[Krispy Kritter]

No problem, glad to help.