VCR and DVD Recorders reception

rockrob · 01-01-2005, 11:25 AM

I'll start by asking my question and then give the background.

If I'm using a VCR was a tuner (channel changer), does the High Definition signal change to analog? In other words, am I still getting a High Definition video displayed on my TV when I'm watching cable programming.

I have a 65 in Mitsubishi HDTV with an integrated receiver. I also receive my programming through cable and have been happy with the quality of the pictures. Up until now, I have used a VCR as a tuner to watch TV and record since I can change my channels faster. I had thought I was receiving my programming in High Definition (when available) up until now.

I purchased a Humax DVD recorder with Tivo and hooked it up to my TV and the picture quality was horrible. So I returned it and opted to get a DVD recorder with a hard drive. I chose the high end Sony brand which I haven't received yet. After I ordered the recorder, I saw some finer print in their user manual on Amazon's web site, that the recorder also doesn't handle Hi-Definition signals. What the Sony tech support rep had told me was that if I use a VCR as a tuner on my Hi-Definition TV set, then my TV was not displaying the video in HDTV. I'm not sure if that is accurate.

I know I cannot record in high def, but if I'm using the VCR as a tuner, the picture quality looks High Definition. It seems to me that with my current VCR, the high definition signal remains intact and is not coverted to analog.

Any thoughts?

Lanny · 01-02-2005, 12:51 AM

Without having all the details of your hookup or your equipment, it does seem that the Sony rep was correct.

The only HDTV VCRs I know of are made by JVC, and it doesn't sound like you have one of them. All other VCRs are not HDTV capable, don't have HDTV tuners, and don't have the connections to support it.

And, although there are some HD DVD standards in development, none of them are currently shipping. Currently the only way to record HD is by using a HD capable DVR or a JVC HD video tape recorder.

You didn't mention the source of your HDTV signals. If cable, you'd need a specialized cable box from your cable provider that would supply HD signals through component or DVI cables to your TV. They may even offer a HDTV/DVR box that would let you record HD.

rockrob · 01-02-2005, 02:12 AM

Currently I have Comcast cable with no cable box. The cable runs through the VCR and then into the HDTV which has an integrated HD converter. I know I can't record in HD, but when I'm just viewing regular TV and using the VCR as a tuner/channel changer, the picture appears to be High Definition. What the Sony rep had told me was the if I use the VCR as a tuner, I'm not seeing HD on my HDTV. I would essentially have to run my cable directly to the TV (and not through a VCR) in order to view HD programming.

The reasons I don't believe that is:

1) my picture when I use my VCR as a tuner (not recorded programs), the picture is excellent. In other words, the HD signal remains intact.

2) when I had purchased a Tivo with a recordable DVD drive, the picture was awful on the 65 inch HDTV that I have.

Maybe I haven't been watching the HD program in high definition after all, but it still looks incredible. Maybe with the Tivo and DVD recorder made by Humax isn't very good. I should receive my Sony DVD Recorder on Monday. I'm hoping the picture is at least as good as when I run the cable through the VCR when I use it just as a tuner.

mfabien · 01-02-2005, 06:42 AM

You are not answering Lanny's question...what cabling are you using. It's obvious to me that you are using composite cabling since your VCR cannot be equipped with Component cabling or digital DVI cabling.

It appears from what you have disclosed that you have yet to see High Definition. Without a satellite or a digital cable package with HD included, your only HD source, if your TV has an ATSC tuner (and not NTSC), would be an OTA appropriate antenna. And you have talked about only basic (analog) cable.

When you get to see HD for real, you will know what you have been missing.

Lanny · 01-02-2005, 09:36 AM

I agree, it's beginning to sound like that you have never received HD signals. You don't have a source for HD. BTW, the Sony DVD recorder that you have on order can't provide it either.

Call your cable provider and ask about their available HD capability and packages.

rockrob · 01-02-2005, 11:14 AM

I use just the regular coax cables the come out from the wall since I do not have a cable box. My TV was HD ready since it has an internal HD decoder. I will definitely have to look into Comcast's HD service. I guess I haven't been seeing HD after all although the picture looks much better than on any of my other regular TVs. Thanks you for all your help.

01-01-2005, 11:25 AM	#1
rockrob What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3	VCR and DVD Recorders reception I'll start by asking my question and then give the background. If I'm using a VCR was a tuner (channel changer), does the High Definition signal change to analog? In other words, am I still getting a High Definition video displayed on my TV when I'm watching cable programming. I have a 65 in Mitsubishi HDTV with an integrated receiver. I also receive my programming through cable and have been happy with the quality of the pictures. Up until now, I have used a VCR as a tuner to watch TV and record since I can change my channels faster. I had thought I was receiving my programming in High Definition (when available) up until now. I purchased a Humax DVD recorder with Tivo and hooked it up to my TV and the picture quality was horrible. So I returned it and opted to get a DVD recorder with a hard drive. I chose the high end Sony brand which I haven't received yet. After I ordered the recorder, I saw some finer print in their user manual on Amazon's web site, that the recorder also doesn't handle Hi-Definition signals. What the Sony tech support rep had told me was that if I use a VCR as a tuner on my Hi-Definition TV set, then my TV was not displaying the video in HDTV. I'm not sure if that is accurate. I know I cannot record in high def, but if I'm using the VCR as a tuner, the picture quality looks High Definition. It seems to me that with my current VCR, the high definition signal remains intact and is not coverted to analog. Any thoughts?

01-02-2005, 12:51 AM	#2
Lanny High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Winthrop, MA Posts: 421	Without having all the details of your hookup or your equipment, it does seem that the Sony rep was correct. The only HDTV VCRs I know of are made by JVC, and it doesn't sound like you have one of them. All other VCRs are not HDTV capable, don't have HDTV tuners, and don't have the connections to support it. And, although there are some HD DVD standards in development, none of them are currently shipping. Currently the only way to record HD is by using a HD capable DVR or a JVC HD video tape recorder. You didn't mention the source of your HDTV signals. If cable, you'd need a specialized cable box from your cable provider that would supply HD signals through component or DVI cables to your TV. They may even offer a HDTV/DVR box that would let you record HD. Last edited by Lanny; 01-02-2005 at 12:55 AM.

01-02-2005, 06:42 AM	#4
mfabien High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Montreal Posts: 1,087	You are not answering Lanny's question...what cabling are you using. It's obvious to me that you are using composite cabling since your VCR cannot be equipped with Component cabling or digital DVI cabling. It appears from what you have disclosed that you have yet to see High Definition. Without a satellite or a digital cable package with HD included, your only HD source, if your TV has an ATSC tuner (and not NTSC), would be an OTA appropriate antenna. And you have talked about only basic (analog) cable. When you get to see HD for real, you will know what you have been missing. __________________ Samsung LN52B750, SA8300HD, Energy speakers, Yamaha RX-V540, SVS PB12-ISD, Harmony 880, HD-A1, BDP-1400, Oppo DV-970HD, Zektor HDS4.1

01-02-2005, 09:36 AM	#5
Lanny High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Winthrop, MA Posts: 421	I agree, it's beginning to sound like that you have never received HD signals. You don't have a source for HD. BTW, the Sony DVD recorder that you have on order can't provide it either. Call your cable provider and ask about their available HD capability and packages. Last edited by Lanny; 01-02-2005 at 09:38 AM.

01-02-2005, 02:12 AM	#3
rockrob What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3	Currently I have Comcast cable with no cable box. The cable runs through the VCR and then into the HDTV which has an integrated HD converter. I know I can't record in HD, but when I'm just viewing regular TV and using the VCR as a tuner/channel changer, the picture appears to be High Definition. What the Sony rep had told me was the if I use the VCR as a tuner, I'm not seeing HD on my HDTV. I would essentially have to run my cable directly to the TV (and not through a VCR) in order to view HD programming. The reasons I don't believe that is: 1) my picture when I use my VCR as a tuner (not recorded programs), the picture is excellent. In other words, the HD signal remains intact. 2) when I had purchased a Tivo with a recordable DVD drive, the picture was awful on the 65 inch HDTV that I have. Maybe I haven't been watching the HD program in high definition after all, but it still looks incredible. Maybe with the Tivo and DVD recorder made by Humax isn't very good. I should receive my Sony DVD Recorder on Monday. I'm hoping the picture is at least as good as when I run the cable through the VCR when I use it just as a tuner.

01-02-2005, 11:14 AM	#6
rockrob What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 3	I use just the regular coax cables the come out from the wall since I do not have a cable box. My TV was HD ready since it has an internal HD decoder. I will definitely have to look into Comcast's HD service. I guess I haven't been seeing HD after all although the picture looks much better than on any of my other regular TVs. Thanks you for all your help.