burning non-HD content recorded on HD receiver

[usually_quiet]

I thought that after the broadcasting "digital transition" there were no analog signals over cable. I could be wrong there, but aren't cable companies sending digital-only? OR is that cable antenna ? (still, I thought today's programming is digital, not analog). Two years ago I was able to able to pick up non-encrypted cable with a digital HD tuner that let me convert that signal to a "squished" 4:3 frame that I could record with 16:9 DAR. Then the cable outfit cut that by encrypting everything and requiring either an SD or HD box (phooey). But some of those digital-SD stations are copy-once only. I can still record with my Toshiba DVD recorder from the digital SD box at 4:3. But the Toshiba no longer picks up a signal directly off cable.

Methinks something like the Hauppauge HD PVR and a 'puter is still the O.P.'s only choice. Open to suggestion, though.

Read what the OP wrote again. If he is watching programming on an old analog SD TV without having a satellite receiver in the room, the signal it receives from the cable has to be analog.

[sanlyn]

True. He must have a customer-friendly cable company that hasn't caught up with trends elsewhere. Won't be long.

[usually_quiet]

True. He must have a customer-friendly cable company that hasn't caught up with trends elsewhere. Won't be long.

Read the original post. The OP doesn't have cable. He has Dish network satellite service. He probably has one of those whole-house distribution systems connecting every TV to a receiver or DVR with multiple tuners. The system likely includes one or more coax connections to provide a signal on analog channel 3 or 4 for older analog TVs with no connections other than coax.
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[Brad]

I thought that after the broadcasting "digital transition" there were no analog signals over cable. I could be wrong there, but aren't cable companies sending digital-only?

Some are, but it's completely unrelated to the ATSC transition. Of course, plenty of cable companies want to distort the whole thing to their advantage.

[usually_quiet]

I thought that after the broadcasting "digital transition" there were no analog signals over cable. I could be wrong there, but aren't cable companies sending digital-only?

Some are, but it's completely unrelated to the ATSC transition. Of course, plenty of cable companies want to distort the whole thing to their advantage.

Yes. When my elderly parents lost the remaining analog signals (local channels) from their cable service provider about a year ago, I called to report the problem. (Up to that time providing analog versions of locals had been mandatory per FCC rules.)

The CSR told me that the federal government had forced them to convert to an all digital system in 2009, when analog OTA broadcasts ceased. After disputing that claim, I hung up. Then I went to the FCC website and found that the current group of very industry-friendly commissioners had recently dropped the requirement for analog local channels, and made analog service 100% voluntary.

...but the OP is using satellite service, and satellite broadcasts in the US were 100% digital for years before the OTA digital transition, so NTSC is only available via the F-type coax outputs from a set top box.

[Brad]

I thought that when they dropped the requirement for analog cable, the cable companies were required to offer at minimum one digital box for free to each household. (Which are still a terrible user experience, especially for old channel surfers.)

[Cornucopia]

Nope. FCC just let the industry tell them what to do. Not good for consumers, who had no voice in the matter.

Scott

[usually_quiet]

I thought that when they dropped the requirement for analog cable, the cable companies were required to offer at minimum one digital box for free to each household. (Which are still a terrible user experience, especially for old channel surfers.)

Most were already providing at least one regular SD cable box (or one cable card) free with a subscription, and some also provided up to 2 free simple SD DTA converters without on-demand or program guide service for old analog TVs. If more boxes are needed, that costs extra. HD also costs extra.

FWIW the FCC generally provides a window for consumers to weigh in on proposed changes to the rules, but most of those who would be affected by a change in the rules never realize one is in the works. Their provider says nothing until the change is approved, and FCC rule changes are not generally considered newsworthy by main-stream media.

[sanlyn]

I kept my old SD digital box and but hooked up a new HD as well. The Hauppauge HD PVR and a PC I had to build for it take some of the HD stuff I really want to keep. But most of what I keep now is 4:3 classics off the old SD box.