I received this PM from a member that had asked a similar question earlier in another forum area. Unfortunately that thread got somewhat derailed between me and another member discussing the merits of two different approaches to a HTPC construction. So I am reposting raphael's main question here hopefully to explain what is going to be a problem for many VCR users when the 2009 analog cut off occurs.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by PM from raphael1137
I record on VCR all the my favorite shows for latter viewing sans commercials, usually 2-4 shows/nite on different stations.
I just learned that a digital converter, once connected from the antenna to the VCR to the TV, will change the channels INSTEAD of the VCR. Bloggers say that you can set the converter to the channel you want to record and time set the VCR, but this only allows for recording ONLY ONE show a nite.
One Blogger had this cable connection:
_Antenna to VCR coax in. VCR coax out to Converter Box. Box coax out to TV. Box composite/stereo out to VCR in. VCR out to TV. This will allow continued use of VCR with NTSC analog (for the next 11 months anyway) or with ATSC DTV.
Is this solution to record several shows a nite on a VCR viable ?
I am ready to buy an LCD and Converter Box, but I am concerned once I have them, they will not work to record shows on VCR as I require.
Your expert advise is gratefully appreciated!
raphael1137
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Ok I understand you want a solution to your issue of how to be able to set up a VCR recorder that will record various shows each evening. These shows may be on different channels and that's where the converter box is going to be a problem for you. The converter box is going to be where the channel is selected not the VCR as you currently do. Now you set up several programs to record and the programming you put into the VCR will change to the appropriate channel and start recording.
Using a converter box, the box will now have to tune the channels not the VCR. The box will output the tuned channel much like a cable box does now on channel 3 or 4 for RF output and through the composite (yellow) or s-video outputs. Now if you hook any of the outputs to the input of your VCR, the only thing the VCR can record will be the station the box is tuned to. So if you have shows that you wish to record on different channels, you will need to manually change channels on the converter box. Hardly automatic like what you are used to.
The alternatives will be to get either a DVR or a VCR with a ATSC tuner. Both will operate the same was as your existing VCR. Another alternative that was discussed in the derailed thread,
DVR vs VCR with ATSC Tuner? would be to buy or build a HTPC. As discussed in that thread it can be done fairly cheaply if you have a older computer that could be used as the base unit.
As far as recorders that have the ATSC tuners built in, I don't have any suggestion right now, but you have inspired me to look into it. I will survey what is available and add a page to my blog on this as I see that many people will have the same issue as you when the 2009 cut off occurs. Check over there from time to time.