Connecting a dvd recorder player to a dvr? can be done?

[southc04]

Only just switching cable companys, we know have a dvr and a converter box in our office.

I have a dvd recorder (magnavox) where I now only play dvd's as the recording process is a HUGE hassle

My issue is the converter box only has OUTPUTS for audio/video and CABLE IN/OUT

I had the setup PRIOR to getting the DVR: dvd recorder going through an OLD VCR and RF modulator with no problems watching dvd's.


Can I use that OLD setup via through the dvr converter or just disconnect SOMETHING off the converter in order to watch a dvd ? I have tried connecting the RF mod and it's all snow..no sound either


Rob

[DB83]

While I am not familiar with US cable, I suspect the DVR is 'tuned' into your providor. It is not possible in this scenario to connect any other equipment to the DVR.

As for playing from the DVD, it really all comes down to what connections you have on the tv AND the DVD player/recorder. It would help if you elaborated on these. Certainly in the UK we have much more elegant solutions than the one you described.

[southc04]

the TV is a JVC from 1989.. and still runs well...only the ANT plug in the back..

the player/recorder is a magnavox with NO TUNER..which is why I had the RF mod and my vcr connected in order to TRY to record tv shows..however..THAT task fell through.. playing dvd's were no problem.

I may just unplug the cable from the converter box & place it back on to the vcr WHEN I wish to view dvd's...however, if there is a way to somehow connect this all....WITHOUT the vcr? to the dvr .

If needing more information regarding connections...let me know

[DB83]

I think I understand your setup now. If I have this wrong then pls tell me. Your cable signal goes from the dvr to the converter box and then to the tv. You need the converter box because you have an analog tv whereas the cable signal is digital.

The weak point in the chain is the tv since it is old and only has the most basic type of connection. The only possible solution as I see it is to plug the coax cable from the converter box in to the dvd-recorder(ant in) and then run another cable from the recorder(ant out) to the tv. You are using the dvd-recorder in loop-through mode but the recrder would have to be powered on for this to hopefully work.

[usually_quiet]

southc04, if you want to use the DVD recorder as a DVD player only, and the VCR has two line-ins, plus an antenna in and an antenna out, the VCR could act as an RF modulator and a switch for all 3 devices. Setup the VCR to use channel 3 for output. Set the converter box to use channel 4 for output and connect the converter box to the VCR Antenna In. Connect the DVR to L1, and connect the DVD recorder to L2. Connect the VCR Antenna Out to the TV. To watch the converter box, tune the TV to channel 4. To watch the DVR, turn on the VCR, select L1 and tune the TV to channel 3. To watch the DVD recorder, turn on the VCR, select L2 and tune the TV to channel 3.

If the VCR does not have two line in connections available, you could get a composite video switch for 3 devices like this. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16882196060 Connect the switch's output to the RF modulator. Connect the RF modulator output to the TV, and use the composite switch's remote control to select the device you want to watch.

[southc04]

thanks for the assistance...I ended up taking the cable from the tv and connecting that to the ANT IN to the VCR and taking one of the coax cable from the DVR and connecting that end to the back of the tv and I can use the dvd recorder/player to watch dvd's..

Would have to do this for now...as I will need that 3 way switch after-all.