| BASIC VCR HOOKUP WITH HD CONVERTER AND HDTV |
This hookup is the most basic way to add a VCR to an HD Installation. Leave your VCR set to Channel 3.
| Function |
HDTV |
VCR |
| Watch Analog |
Antenna |
Off |
| Watch Digital |
Antenna |
Off |
| Watch HD Channels |
Component |
Off |
| Program VCR |
Antenna |
On |
| Record Analog or Digital |
Antenna |
Antenna |
| View VCR Recording |
Antenna |
Play |
This hookup allows the viewer to record any analog or dgital channel off the converter box. While simple to use, it does have some limitations.
- When recording, the converter must stay on the channel being recorded.
- You cannot watch one channel while recording another.
- Because the signal source is the coax “Cable Out” connector, there is only a monaural audio track available. You cannot record stereo or surround.
It is also advised that when recording off any converter, the volume level on the converter be turned up all the way. There is a separate volume control in the “Settings” area of the converter. You can get to it by entering “Settings”, “More Settings” and then "Audio". Make sure the volume control for both the converter and the VCR are at 100%.
Most customers will probably have their remote controls set so that the volume/mute controls the TV set instead of the converter. This is done by taking the converter’s remote control, hold down the “TV” and “Select” buttons until the LED lights blink twice. Then tap in 993. Now the remote will mute and control the volume on the television. The converter volume levels can be adjusted from the buttons on the front of the converter box and should be left in the 100% position.
A PVR (TIVO or Replay TV) unit can be substituted for the VCR in the installation.
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| TYPICAL VCR HOOKUP WITH HD CONVERTER AND HDTV |
The primary difference between this connection choice and the one above is the addition of the video cable input from the converter to the HDTV. This should allow the viewer to take advantage of the improved analog and digital picture and stereo sound available on the RCA cable connections.
The antenna connection will still function as described in the above. The Program Guide and Information screens are available on both the antenna and video inputs.
Set the VCR to Channel 3.
| Function |
HDTV |
VCR |
| Watch Analog (w / stereo) |
Video 1 |
Off |
| Watch Digital (w / stereo) |
Video 1 |
Off |
| Watch HD Channels |
Component |
Off |
| Program VCR |
Antenna |
On |
| Record Analog or Digital |
Antenna |
Antenna |
| View VCR Recording |
Antenna |
Play |
This hookup allows the viewer to record any analog or digital channel off the converter box. It has the same limitations described in the basic VCR hookup above.
- When recording, the converter must stay on the channel being taped.
- One cannot watch one channel while recording another.
- Because the VCR signal source is the coax “Cable Out” connector, there is only a monaural audio track available. You cannot record stereo or surround.
This hookup does require the addition of the audio “Y-adapters” to provide feed both the component and the video inputs to the HDTV.
Note - While recording off the converter, it might be a good idea to secure the remote so someone doesn’t sit down and change the channel or bring up the Program Guide over the show being taped.
S-Video - This same hookup can be used with an S-Video cable (customer supplied). Just substitute the S-Video cable for the Yellow video cable in the diagram.
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| ADVANCED VCR HOOKUP WITH HD CONVERTER AND HDTV- 2 WAY SPLITTER |
This installation provides more flexibility, allowing the viewer to record any analog or digital program with stereo or surround sound. It also adds the ability to watch any analog channel while recording any other analog or digital program.
The various settings on the HDTV and VCR are listed below. The “VCR / TV” switch will be found on the VCR itself and will select the signal source for the Antenna Out connection on the VCR. The only time it needs to be switched to “TV” is when you want to watch an analog while recording a digital channel.
| Function |
HDTV |
VCR |
VCR/ TV SWX |
| Watch Analog |
Video 1 |
On |
VCR |
| or |
Antenna |
Off |
|
| Watch Digital |
Video 1 |
On |
VCR |
| Watch HD Channels |
Component |
Off |
|
| Program VCR |
Antenna or Line Input |
On |
VCR |
| Record Analog, View any Analog, Digital or HD |
Component |
Antenna |
VCR |
| Record Digital while watching any Analog |
Antenna |
Line Input |
TV |
| View VCR Recording |
Video 1 |
Play |
VCR |
The limitations of this setup are:
- Its complexity – the user has to be very familiar with their equipment
- The VCR has to be turned “on” in order to view the Standard video output of the converter box. This is not necessary for viewing HDTV content or for viewing Standard content over the HDTV input.
- One cannot watch a different Digital show while recording a Digital program.
It also should be noted that most VCRs will only “time record” from the off position, meaning they must be turned off in order for their timers to properly turn on the VCR and begin the recording session. It is recommended to use the “Antenna” input to watch your analog channels while waiting for your recording session to begin.
Note – While recording off the converter, it might be a good idea to secure the remote so someone doesn’t sit down and change the channel or bring up the Program Guide over the show being taped.
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