Dish and a DVD recorder

[HRMaddie]

I am considering either the JVC MH30 or the Pioneer 520. I have Dish Network with the PVR functions. Is it possible to somehow synch either the JVC or Pioneer with the Dish's programming? I would also consider other brands if this is possible with another DVD recorder.

[sync]

The Pioneer has an option to start recording if it senses activity on one of its inputs. I've never tried it and people who have report that it is flaky and doesn't work well. In your case, the PVR is probably always on anyway and it definitely wouldn't work.

I don't think you'll find a way to synch up a recorder to your PVR.

[donpedro]

Automatic Satellite Program Recording

This function allows you to automatically record a satellite program
which is timer-programed on your external DBS receiver. Connect
a DBS receiver to the unit’s AUDIO/S-VIDEO/VIDEO INPUT (L-1)
connectors and program the timer on the DBS receiver. The unit
starts or stops recording by the signals input from the DBS
receiver. After recording, the unit’s power shuts off automatically.
- You can also connect the cable box if it has a timer.

Cable Box and/or DBS Receiver Control
Setting

The following procedure is required if you receive your TV
channels through a cable box (descrambler) and/or if you receive
satellite channels through DBS (Direct Broadcast Satellite)
receiver. The Controller allows the unit to automatically switch the
cable box and/or DBS receiver’s channels during timer recording.
NOTES:
- The Controller is effective for “VCR Plus+® Timer Programing”
( pg. 46), or “Manual Timer Programing” ( pg. 48).
- When connecting your cable box, refer to its instruction manual.

Installing Controller
1 If both a cable box and a DBS receiver are used, position the
Controller so its signal reaches the receiving windows of both the
cable box and DBS receiver.
2 Fix securely using the adhesive strip attached on the back of the Controller.

[donpedro]

Automatic recording from a satellite
tuner

If you have a satellite tuner or some other kind of set top
box connected to the
L1
input, you can have the recorder
start and stop recording automatically with the timer
settings of the connected component. (If the other
component doesn’t have a built-in timer, you’ll need to
use it with an external timer unit.)
After setting up for Auto Start Recording, this recorder
starts recording when it detects a signal from the other
component. When the signal ceases, the recorder stops
recording.
If you want to use this recorder with the timer features of
your satellite tuner, see
Language code list
on page 116.

[DVWannaB]

I am considering either the JVC MH30 or the Pioneer 520. I have Dish Network with the PVR functions. Is it possible to somehow synch either the JVC or Pioneer with the Dish's programming? I would also consider other brands if this is possible with another DVD recorder.

I have both of those units you mentioned + Dish Network. I got the JVC first and tried to use its tuner with the Dish box. After first connecting it was good and responsive to remote click. But sometime after turning the unit off and goping to bed and turning it on again the next day, the JVC became extremely slow to unresponsive. What I also saw was that when I programmed to record multiple programs, it would record the first no problem, but would not record the others.

I later found from talking with memebrs here and elsewhere that tuners in DVD recorders are just not the greatest and are at best unreliable. Seems the maunfacturers were more concerned with other features than making a strong cable/satellite tuner.

[donpedro]

I am confused DVWannaB, DVD Recorders do not have Satellite Tuner... You should connect video+audio to one of its external inputs. Recorders Tuner is not part of this connection. Maybe I just don't understand what you are trying to say...

[DVWannaB]

don,

thats not accurate. Maybe not common amongst all DVD Recorders, but many now come with the satellite sensor, like my JVC MH30s. It isnt very good, frankly. Unlike the tuner in the ReplayTV units that also come with the satellite sensor, which works great every time. The tuner on my JVC seems to lose synch with the satellite box, even with the required equipment for proper operation.

[donpedro]

...but many now come with the satellite sensor...

Sorry I am lost... what is "satellite sensor" ?

[DVWannaB]

it is the device that plugs into the back of the recorder (looks like an audio plug-in) and has a sensor on the other end which has a sticky portion that connects it to the sensor on the satellite box. So it gives the recorder control of the satellite box. ReplayTV and I believe TiVo uses the same set-up, but are much better than those of DVD Recorders.

[donpedro]

Oooh ! You mean Controller that they mention in JVC manual page 24 ? (see my post from Jun 08, 2005 12:39 pm) But that has nothing to do with DVD RECORDERS TUNER... or maybe I am just lost in translation...

[DVWannaB]

I have possibly used the term to loosely, but yes, the controller. But from what I understand the controller is a function of the units ability to tune in channels by virtue of having the controller connection. On the recorder you still have to press channel up/down or enter channel number, which is part of the tuning process. In my experience this has not worked well with the DVD recorders. I find myself constantly setting up the recorder satellite controller. I finally gave up as it became a pain in the rear.

[robguy]

The set-top controller of the Sony HX-900 will change the satellite channel ... if the receiver is on. Basically, I have to set the timer on the satellite receiver AND on the DVD recorder. Quite a pain, but that's the way I have to do it.

The predecessor to the HX-900, the RDR-GX7, would sense the satellite receiver coming on and automatically record. But the hard drive went bad on mine, and Sony discarded the feature when it came out with the HX-900. Too bad; worked every time. On the up side though, they did add a 160GB hard drive.

I hate having to set two timers, but that's all that's available. Not only that, DVD manufacturers only grudgingly acknowledge that not everyone has a Cable TV connection. Until they take us satellite users seriously, we're gonna be behind the 8-ball when it comes to programming convenience.

[spiderman2k1]

You might want to look that this Kevin Rose talks about making your own Tivo or PVR box with Linux download the second episode great TECH show

http://systm.org/

[LCSHG]

I have a Dish Network System. I also have a n ILO DVD with HDD. The one thing I missed was the use of the Dish Receiver "IR Blaster" The Dish receiver was programed [ not the timer] to switch to a selected channel for a selected time. It would than send a signal to start an already set up VCR receiver that was turned off and in record mode. Very simple and easy.

This can not be done with any DVD recorder that I know of. Believe me I have tried. Dish Network could care less and will not include any code that will operate anything but their own PVR.

All the gimmick's on tjhe DVD recorders are just that. and require use of a timmer.

I program the Dish Receiver for the selected program and set the timer on the DVD for 1min before and 2min after the program. The Dish receiver switches to the selected channel and the DVD records.

[LCSHG]

Just to be clear
When I said program the Dish Network satellite receiver. I DO NOT use the recievers start an stop timer