Have to leave DVD recorder on to watch cable?

[awp]

Recently got a Philips DVDR77. Things have pretty well with it so far (lucky I guess considering Philips reputation). The only thing I don't like is that I have to leave the thing on to watch cable. The recorder may have pass-through ability with the coax cable, but I have a Moxi DVR box running an S-Video cable to the DVD recorder.

So, in order to see the picture from my cable, I need to leave my DVD recorder on all the time. Not too happy about this. In addition to wasting energy, it gets a bit warm.

Is there any solution to this? Will a switch box work in the opposite direction (one S-video in where the output usually is and using the switch to go between a direct connection to the TV and the recorder)?

[mikel]

I had the same problem with my DVDR75.

If your Moxi box has an RF output ...
What I did was run a RF cable from the cable box directly to the TV.
Then by switching the tv inputs, I could directly view cable box,
or switch to the (AV input) Philips when viewing (or recording) dvds.

[awp]

mikel,

Yes, I could use the RF output but the picture quality will suffer. Was hoping to avoid that.

I already have the Moxi box hooked up through its component video outputs but the analog channels look like crap if I use it (only use this to view the HD channels). I use the S-Video to watch analog and SD channels -- thus my problem with the S-Video running through the recorder.

The recorder would also get the crappier picture if I used the component inputs on there from the Moxi box -- so I've thought of that option as well.

Just want to be able to use S-video for both the recorder and just watching most TV but don't want to have to leave the recoder on all the time.

[handyguy]

I can't do that, I have to use the RF cable. Same for lots of people.

[bigeck]

I dont have cable just Sky (yuk) but I have one scart from sky to TV and a scart from sky to DVDr. I don't know if you can do this with your cable (if cable has 2 scarts or not). if it deosnt have to scarts try a scart split box

[LCSHG]

awp Wrote

[QUOTE]
Is there any solution to this? Will a switch box work in the opposite direction (one S-video in where the output usually is and using the switch to go between a direct connection to the TV and the recorder)?


Yes
You could use the output connection on a switch for input. Use [Switch A] direct to the TV. [Video 1], and [Switch B] to your recorder's, than to the TV. [Video 2] . This connection assumes that your TV has two inputs.

[stryker]

I have a solution for you, with the 4-Way A/V Distribution Amplifier. This thing has four S-Video outputs so you can plug it to multiple components.

[iluvJLO]

that video switcher is not going to work. that is for connecting multiple components to a TV with only 1 input.

his problem is trying to get his cable box to run a S-Video to his TV, and a S-Video from his cable box to his Recorder so he can get the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, for whatever stupid reason, Cable and Satellite receiver's only come with 1 S-Video output. I'm in the same situation, so I have my Box S-video connected to my TV, and when I want to record something, I take it out and plug it in my recorder, then switch back when I'm done. It's very gay

[awp]

Thanks for all the responses. I purchased a video switcher and got it to work. Turns out that even though it is designed to take four inputs and switch between them to produce one output, it also will work in the opposite direction (one input and use the switch to send it to one of four outputs).

If it is truely a pass through device, it makes sense that it would allow the signal to pass through in either direction.

Anyway, I'm happy to report that I have my DVDR off and can still watch cable. When I want to record something, I just press a button on the switcher and then the signal will flow through the DVDR.

[LCSHG]

awp

Glad you got the system working to your satisfaction. there are a lot of ways to hook up a systen for individual service and needs. I have one system connected as I discribed above. Whether its composite, S-Video, or RF the switch will work. You are right, the switch [not an amplifier switch] is really a pass through device in any direction.

[solidsnake]

Thanks for all the responses. I purchased a video switcher and got it to work. Turns out that even though it is designed to take four inputs and switch between them to produce one output, it also will work in the opposite direction (one input and use the switch to send it to one of four outputs).

If it is truely a pass through device, it makes sense that it would allow the signal to pass through in either direction.

Anyway, I'm happy to report that I have my DVDR off and can still watch cable. When I want to record something, I just press a button on the switcher and then the signal will flow through the DVDR.

interesting, never thought about that