How to connect Magnavox Recorder to Metrocast hd box

[jcool26]

Hello to all! I have a Magnavox combo dvd/vcr recorder (ZV457MG9) and I'm trying to connect it to my Metrocast hd box but no luck. Can anyone help me because I want to record from the box. I would appreciate it. Thanks!

[usually_quiet]

...and what is the manufacturer's name and model number for the HD box ?

[jagabo]

Does the Metrocast box have composite (yellow RCA) or s-video (4 pin DIN) outputs? What have you tried so far? Or do we have to guess? And you do realize you won't be recording anything in HD?

[jcool26]

I think the manufacturer is Motorola model number is DCX3200

[jagabo]

Use the red/white RCA for audio, yellow RCA for video, with a standard A/V cable:



For better image quality use an s-video cable instead of the yellow composite cable (to the right of the composite output in the above diagram).

http://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-Audio-Video-Cable-feet/dp/B000V0DY7U/
http://www.amazon.com/feet-Gold-Plated-S-Video-Cable/dp/B0002MQGK4/

Be sure the recorder is set up to record from the correct inputs.

[jcool26]

Is the diagram the metrocast box or the magnavox box?

[jcool26]

I tried connecting it yesterday and I have a picture but no sound at all? Neep help

[jagabo]

The picture is from the DCX3200 manual -- which is the device you said you had. We know you need help. But we're not mind readers. Unless you tell us exactly what you tried we have no way of knowing what the problem is. What cables and inputs/outputs did you use.

[usually_quiet]

I think the manufacturer is Motorola model number is DCX3200

jagabo's instructions for connecting the box should work, but if using the back panel connections of the ZV457MG9 make sure you read the labels. One set of A/V connections is for input (the lefthand group in the set nearest the RF Out/Antenna connections) and the other is for output. The set of connections in the front is only for input. You also need to select the correct input on the ZV457MG9 to record or see a picture and hear audio.

Some HD boxes provide output on all their connections at the same time. Others only provide output on their analog conections if HDMI is not connected. I'm not personally familiar with the Motorola DCX3200, so I can't say for certain which is true for it. If you don't see a picture using its composite or S-Video connections you may be forced to disconnect the HDMI cable.

[jcool26]

I connected the cables to the out on the Metrocast box and the in on the magnavox box. I used the audio video cables for a dvd player but I got a picture but no sound at all

[jagabo]

There may also be setup options on the cable box to enable/disable the analog RCA audio outputs.

[jcool26]

I don't know maybe there are not the right cables to use. I don't understand I have a clear picture but no sound coming anywhere.

[usually_quiet]

I don't know maybe there are not the right cables to use. I don't understand I have a clear picture but no sound coming anywhere.

Connect the cable box to your TV with the same cables. If you have both picture and sound, then you will know you have the right cables and the cable box is providing audio.

[jcool26]

Ok I tried the cables to the tv and the box same problem... I have a picture but no sound.

[jcool26]

Will the cables that you all suggested work with my problem?

[usually_quiet]

Ok I tried the cables to the tv and the box same problem... I have a picture but no sound.

Does the A/V cable provide both picture and audio if you use it to connect a DVD player to the TV? Does the A/V cable provide both picture and audio if you use it to connect the cable box to the TV?

[jcool26]

It provides picture and sound when I connect the dvd player to the tv.

[usually_quiet]

Will the cables that you all suggested work with my problem?

Assuming that nothing is defective, the cables should work if your cable box is providing composite video and stereo audio output. I have different models, but use the same type of cable (composite A/V) to connect my Magnavox DVD recorder and my Motorola HD cable box. I have have been recording programming that way for a few months.

[usually_quiet]

It provides picture and sound when I connect the dvd player to the tv.

So, the cable itself is fine.

What about connecting the cable box and the TV using the same A/V cable? I'm trying to figure out if the problem is on the cable box side of the connection or the DVD recorder side of the connection

[jcool26]

I tried that earlier same problem

[usually_quiet]

I tried that earlier same problem

So if a direct connection between the cable box and your TV using the composite A/V cable is not providing audio, the cable box is the source of the problem.

If you disconnect the HDMI cable from the TV and cable box, does anything change?

[jcool26]

Same issue I turn to L1 rear and I remove the hdmi cord and hook the cable box and tv together and same problem

[jcool26]

When I disconnect the hdmi cord from the both things I do not have a picture because the input for the metrocast box is HDMI.

[jcool26]

My input for my dvd recorder is component and I have to use L1 for the cable box but all I get is a picture but no sound

[usually_quiet]

Same issue I turn to L1 rear and I remove the hdmi cord and hook the cable box and tv together and same problem

If a direct connection between the cable box and your TV using the composite A/V cable is not providing audio, either there is a setting in the cable box's menus that needs to be changed or the cable box is defective. I would call Metrocast's technical support for help, and if they can't help you fix the problem, you can arrange to exchange the cable box for a working replacement.

[jcool26]

I just got it to work! Thanks for all your help!!

[october262]

I just got it to work! Thanks for all your help!!

just remember the some cable/satellite channels are encrypted and cannot be recorded.

[jagabo]

I just got it to work! Thanks for all your help!!

Why don't you tell us what you did that got the audio working? Maybe it will help the next person who comes along with the same problem.

[usually_quiet]

I just got it to work! Thanks for all your help!!

just remember the some cable/satellite channels are encrypted and cannot be recorded.

The problem is not encryption. Cable boxes decrypt every channel included in the subscribed package. The potential problem is analog copy protection flags, copy once which can be used to restrict recording for anything but local over-the-air channels, or copy never, which can be used on premium channels like HBO to prevent recording. DVD recorders honor the flags, but the flags may or may not be used, depending on the individual service provider's policies.

[jcool26]

Thanks again! The component audio cables were not hooked up properly hence thats why I had no sound.