VCR + Cable Box + TV = how the hell do I record??

[road trip]

Any cable guys out there??

Okay, I have my cable coming in from outside to my digital cable box to my VCR to my TV (had to get digital cable so that I can watch my Devils play).

So the cable guy just left and I can't figure out how the heck I'm supposed to record things on the TV!! I can't even watch TV through the VCR. The only way that I can watch TV is with my TV on channel 3 and watching through the cable box.

What I'm hoping for is the ability to watch channel A while recording channel B.

Is my basic configuration set-up right?? HELP!!!!

[The Dude]

You're going to need two cable boxes to achieve your goal (if I am understanding you correctly). The problem is that the feed coming out of the cable box to either the vcr or tv, is only that feed. You cannot get two different feeds from the same cable box.

Your other option is to call the cable company back and see if they offer a combo receiver/dvr, that will most likely solve the problem.

The last option, which won't give you 100% cable feed on two lines, is to split the cable wire after leaving the wall. Feed one wire into the cable box and then into the vcr. Then feed the vcr to the tv. Take the other split wire and feed it directly to the tv, without the cable box in between. This cable line should provide you with basic cable.

a splitter can be picked up at radio shack, prices vary. don't get cheap if you want a good picture, go for the high end stuff.

Also, make sure that the vcr is on channel 3, that should help with the show coming through. If your vcr is fairly new, you might need to put on Line 1 or 2, depending on how much input the vcr is able to handle.

Later

[vinzclortho]

not from nothin there Dude, but shouldn't Karl Hungus be fixing the cable?

[road trip]

Thanks, Dude! (pun intended)

Radio Shack here I come.

PS - there is a position in rugby called "hooker"

[jayfrizzo]

Maybe you shouldn't watch so much TV that you need to record something while watching something else.

Some VCRs are cable-ready, and can record on one channel while watching another. I figure nowadays they all are.


J-

[road trip]

Originally posted by jayfrizzo
Maybe you shouldn't watch so much TV that you need to record something while watching something else.

Some VCRs are cable-ready, and can record on one channel while watching another. I figure nowadays they all are.


J-

Touche! My big issue is me trying to watch hockey games while the proverbial she wants to watch prime time shows!! (the hockey games get the nod for watching live!!)

The VCR and TV are all good... it's the interaction with the digital cable box that is the issue. Before I had that box I was golden... sadly, to get the digital cable chanels, you NEED to go through the box.

[The Dude]

one last suggestion is to check w/ the cable company and see if they offer any receiver/dvr (digital video recorder, aka tivo) combos. This would allow you to record one show and watch the other without all the other cables.

[Viva]

Why don't you just get married and let your husband figure it out?

[road trip]

Originally posted by Viva
Why don't you just get married and let your husband figure it out?

Just because a solution worked for you...

[Karl Hungus]

First, you need to takk ina cable and stick it in the hole. Gently at first...

Then you need to take the box and pound it, pound it, and pound it until it staahhts working again.

Then you need to take both boxes and put them ontopa each other. Take your cable and put it in one hole on the top, and then put it in one hole on the bottom.

Screw your cable in there!

It needs to be secure.

Then you gently rub the nub of your second cable around the output hole on your television. Put it in steadily and screw it in there tight! Don't pull it out before you get reception. Always remember to use static protection and keep a video camera handy.

You never know when the neighbor is going to be home and needs her box looked at too

[Dexter Rutecki]

Here's an idea that might work:
Get a splitter, and with the two connections just put one directly into the VCR. Then you should be able to select the channel on the VCR and record that way, while something else is selected on the other split. You can probably still have the 'out' from the VCR going to the TV so you can watch the program that way--just remember with it set this way you'll never (necessarily) be recording the same thing you're watching.

Or, you could just let me tape the Rangers games for you. Then you wouldn't have to be embarassed by any more parking lot parades.

[road trip]

Originally posted by Dexter Rutecki
Or, you could just let me tape the Rangers games for you. Then you wouldn't have to be embarassed by any more parking lot parades.

Dammit, they are TAILGATE PARTIES!!! And I've been to THREE since you had your last parade...

...and that's the final word on that!!

[Dexter Rutecki]

I should be able to come back now with something about how there will be a real parade downtown this year, but I'm not confident enough in our multi-millionaires to talk any shit.

[Plakespear]

Originally posted by jayfrizzo
Some VCRs are cable-ready, and can record on one channel while watching another. I figure nowadays they all are.


J-

Probably not with digital cable, though.