dvd recorder can't do automatic programmed recording

[dvdnewbie64]

I just got a dvd recorder and I want to use it to record tv programs. I hooked it up like the manual said, coax cable from the cable box into the dvd recorder, then a coax cable plus video and audio cables from the dvd recorder to the the TV. I want to be able to use timer programming but in the menu for that under the channel to be recorded I can only use channel 3, the back video inputs, or the front video inputs. I need to be able to select any channel, so it will switch to that channel automatically when the program starts.

What am I doing wrong? I've preset the channels automatically on the first setup, and I've fudged around with the different remotes input/output buttons to get the right combination but to no avail. Also I tried it with just coax cable from the dvd recorder to the TV and just rca video cables from the dvd recorder to the tv, but that didn't fix my problem either.

[usually_quiet]

If you are using coax in from a cable box, the DVD recorder will only be able to tune the unencrypted digital channels and/or analog channels that you receive, depending on its tuner.

You will probably need to get some more cables to record the bulk of digital channels offerd by your cable plan. To record the encrypted digital channels you need to connect the DVD recorder to the composite (red-white-yellow) line inputs from the cable box. If the DVD recorder and cable box have either component connections (red,green,blue) or S-Video connections you could use those, plus the red-white audio connection instead. You need to set the cable box's timer function to tune to the right channel at the correct time. The DVD recorders timer funtion would be set to use the line appropriate input instead of the channel number, and would be set to the match the times programmed into the cable box.

Component connections give the best picture, followed by S-Video, then composite, and finally coax.

You may have some channels that are copy protected, such as HBO and other movie channels. You will need to consult your DVD recorder's manual about those.

[dvdnewbie64]

"You need to set the cable box's timer function to tune to the right channel at the correct time."

What does that mean, I thought somehow the channel programmed into the timer of the dvd recorder changed the cable box channel at prescribed time. Also I'm not sure what you mean by encrypted signals, I can get the channels, I just have a problem with the timer function on the recorder.

I'll try what you said with the cables and get back to you.

[usually_quiet]

"You need to set the cable box's timer function to tune to the right channel at the correct time."

What does that mean, I thought somehow the channel programmed into the timer of the dvd recorder changed the cable box channel at prescribed time. Also I'm not sure what you mean by encrypted signals, I can get the channels, I just have a problem with the timer function on the recorder.

I'll try what you said with the cables and get back to you.

If you can't use the TV's tuner with coax direct from the wall to tune all the channels your package provides, the cable box also has to do the tuning for the DVD recorder. Cable boxes usually include some sort of timer function that allows them to switch channels automatically. If yours does not include that feature, talk to the cable company. In addition, to watch one thing while recording another, the cable box needs to have dual tuners, one for the TV, and one for the DVD recorder.

[prouton]

Are you sure your DVD recorder has a tuner? As the switch from analog to digital transmission progressed, at pre-announced dates it became illegal to TV, VCRs and DVD recorders with only analog tuners. The manufacturers either had to also include a digital tuner, or drop the tuner altogether in order to be in compliance. Accepting only channel 3 as input from the coax connection sounds like there's no tuner, just the ability to record from an external digital conversion box (the ones you can get a coupon for from the government).

As for a DVD recorder being able to control the tuner in a cable box (or conversion box), that's not a function supported by most units. If yours specifically states that it does, then you need to find the thin cable with a 1/8" plug on one end and an IR diode emitter on the other, and plug it into the DVD recorder. The IR diode end must be located such that its output can be seen by the cable box's remote control reception point.

[usually_quiet]

Are you sure your DVD recorder has a tuner? As the switch from analog to digital transmission progressed, at pre-announced dates it became illegal to TV, VCRs and DVD recorders with only analog tuners. The manufacturers either had to also include a digital tuner, or drop the tuner altogether in order to be in compliance. Accepting only channel 3 as input from the coax connection sounds like there's no tuner, just the ability to record from an external digital conversion box (the ones you can get a coupon for from the government).

As for a DVD recorder being able to control the tuner in a cable box (or conversion box), that's not a function supported by most units. If yours specifically states that it does, then you need to find the thin cable with a 1/8" plug on one end and an IR diode emitter on the other, and plug it into the DVD recorder. The IR diode end must be located such that its output can be seen by the cable box's remote control reception point.

The DVD recorder may lack a tuner, but not necessarily.

If the cable box was set up to be connected to a TV via coax, the cable box may only output on channel 3 via its coax connection. If the OP has to change channels using the cable box's remote, rather than the TV's remote, that is almost certainly what is happening.

[dvdnewbie64]

Thanks usually_quiet. I have not programmed a vcr or anything similar in years and thought I could just program through the dvd recorder alone, I did not even know that the cable boxes these days have a timer that will switch the channel. It's all working now, thanks again.