Can I use my DVR625 to record Cable TV

[thomasarnold]

Howdy Folks. I am new to this so I don't know if I even post in right spot here. Anyway, here it goes:

I used to be DishNetwork customer with a DVR625 to record/pause the feed coming from the dish. Due to my recent move I had to switch to Cable (Verizon) since my neighborhood does not allow for dish on roof. Since I am stuck with my DVR625 now, I would like to connect it to the cable in my new house and use it to record/pause cable TV.

Does anyone know if this is even possible (input now comes from cable instead of dish) and if yes, how is it accomplished (wiring/configuration)

I do appreciate any feedback concerning this issue.

Regards - Tom

[TBoneit]

Tom, Sorry to say it is completely impossible.

1. There is no Tuner in the 625
2. There is no encoder in the 625.

The 625 when used with Dishnetwork takes the mpeg2 stream from the satellite and stores it on the hard Drive. The MPEG2 is encoded by Dish not the 625. The 625 has no way to tune TV channels. It has no way to encode anything from the a/v inputs.

Are you sure the 625 isn't a leased box that may leave you open ongoing lease fees? I seem to remember hearing they are only available as lease units.

You say my neighborhood does not allow for dish on roof?

From here:
http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/satellite.html
"Can I place my satellite dish anywhere on my property?
In general, a satellite dish that is 1 meter (39.37 inches) or less may be installed on an area that you own or where you have exclusive use. There are some restrictions that apply. For more information, please refer to our fact sheet on Over-the-Air Reception Devices."

It doesn't have to be a roof, a balcony, a patio and some people see the satellite through a large window. Visit www.dbstalk.com for more information.

[thomasarnold]

Thanks for the quick reply. The box is not a lease, I purchased it from DishNetwork. Looking back now, it was a mistake. I should have rented one.

I was hoping the Verizon cable box would act as a tuner, but I see your point about the encoding issue from the a/v inputs. I was hoping there is some additional hardware out there that would take care of this issue.

Oh well, I guess it will have to go on eBay since I don't see myself going back to sat anytime soon.

Thanks for the help!

Greetings - Tom

[TBoneit]

Well The VIP622 is the first box I ever leased from them myself. I bought 5 different DVRs befroe they switched over to the lease model.

The E-Bay buyer may want some info from the box. I'm not sure what is safe to give or not. Check with the experts from www.dbstalk.com about that.

What the prospective buyer will be looking for is the information that they can give to Dishnetwork to be sure there is no unpaid balance. They may also want to see a screenshot showing PPV, I'm not sure.

Good Luck