[greg6262]

Hello, problem is if I press instant record on vcr it will record that channel but when using timer all it records is blue screen.
I read somewhere that vcr must be on channel 3 but if I set it to record channel 8-nothing.

Any help please?

Greg

 

[magnet]

In your mind you must think of Channel 3 (on the VCR) only shows what is coming from the DCT700. If you hit instant record on Channel 3 on the VCR and start changing the channels on the DCT 700, you we see that you will be recording all your channel changes, etc.


Record Channel 3 for the duration of your program on the VCR.
Set the record (reminder) on the DCT700 to the digital channel and time you want.

 

[Jetranger]

Just in case that wasn't clear, there are two timers that have to be set. First, set the 'VCR Timer' on the DCT700. That will both turn on the DCT700(if it was off) and change the channel to the one that has the program you want to record on it. Second, you have to set the VCR to record at the time the program comes on. The VCR will always be set to record CH 3 as long as you are recording channels you would watch on your DCT700.

You can think of the DCT700 as being a little TV station that is broadcasting on Ch3 and you get to tell it what cable channel to broadcast. Does that make sense? Sorry if I have only confused you further but I hope this helps.

 

[sugarbug]

Similar problem...

Hi,
To start, I'm not super techy and am confused when researching. All of this TV lingo has my head spinning!

Anyway, last Christmas, we finally broke away from our 100 year old 27" Sony Vega. We upgraded to a 42" Samsung plasma. At the same time, we upgraded from our standard cable connection to digital (DCT700). As a family, we don't watch a whole lot of TV, and so we don't want to upgrade to HD. We feel we have more than enough channels, and a good enough picture, without adding extra cost with the HD tier.

The other day, we bought an LG DVD/PVR. I have been wanting a pvr for some time, but didn't want to fork out the $400 Shaw is asking for theirs, as I don't care about the HD, and don't want them hounding me to get it.

The machine is all hooked up, but as the other person stated, can I only record what I'm watching??? Can't I watch channel 8 (for example) while recording channel 2? Why can't the pvr program the digital channels into it? I only have channel 4 (or maybe it's 3, but one channel, anyway!).

Have we hooked it up wrong, or is this just the way it *is*?

Thanks for your time!
Sugarbug

 

[magnet]

You get what you pay for.
Shaw's PVR has two tuners so you can watch 1 program and record another. Or record 2 programs at once and watch a third prerecorded program - all in HD.

Your LG DVR is a digital VCR with one Standard Defintion tuner. You can only record 1 channel (and watch a previously recorded program) at a time or watch one channel at a time.

I suggest you purchase or ask Shaw for a Cable splitter.
By splitting the cable feed and using the tuner built into your tv, you can at least watch a different non digital channel while recording with you LG DVR.
SHAW → Splitter → Cable In on TV (Tune Channels 2 to 70)
..................└→ DCT 700 → LG DVD→ Use HDMI Cable/ Component Cables to Connect to Input 1/2/3 (or whatever) on TV.

 

[Jetranger]

As mentioned in my previous explanation, think of the cable box, your DCT700, at a mini tv station. It broadcasts on just one channel, Ch 3. You get to choose what that Ch 3 station shows by changing channels with the DCT700 remote. What ever channel you choose, the DCT700 always shows it on Ch3, right? (You might be using the 'line' output from the box but, either way, you only have one 'channel' out)

So, if your new player/pvr has it's own tuner(you didn't state the model # so I don't know), you can use a splitter on your cable to allow it to record a different channel while you watch another one through the DCT700. The limiting factor with this arrangement is: you can only record the 'basic' analogue channels that are on the cable. You can only access any additional 'digital' channels that you might have through the DCT700. (magnet's way is probably better but you would have to turn on your dvd/pvr every time you want to just watch a channel from the DCT700) <See how either of these ways is more complicated?>

I hope this clears it up a little. To add to your possible confusion (just because I can), Shaw provides about 10 'free' HD channels with 'basic' cable so you wouldn't be paying any 'extra' for them. Of course, the catch is you need an HD capable Set Top Box, which the DCT700 is not. If you were to buy a Shaw PVR, you would solve a couple of problems at the same time. First, you wouldn't need a splitter on the cable and second, you would get the benefit of being able to actually record 2 programs at the same time while watching a 3rd that you had recorded previously. Additionally, you would have access to the 10 'free' HD channels that are included as part of your regular cable service.

I understand, completely, that you are not big tv watchers and never have been but, if you 'have always wanted a PVR' and have already updated your tv, you owe it to yourself to at least give Shaw's options a try and check out HD. I think you would be very impressed with the difference in picture and the features of the PVRs. If you call Shaw and ask about what they can offer you as someone who is interested in 'trying an HD PVR', you might be surprised at what they say. You may get a lower monthly bill and a free rental for a year, you never know. A 'free PVR rental' means you don't pay anything to check out the latest technology.

Now, that being said, I am NOT a Shaw employee and will in no way benefit from you making a decision, either way. I have my own set of issues with Shaw but, if they are your only choice for cable (which is usually the case), then it can't hurt to give them a call.

Late Edit: magnet responded while I was writing my response so I apologize for anything he said that was repeated in my post. I'm leaving it in for clarity.

 

[Andy604]

can you run to the vcr first then to the DCT700 then to the tv? would this allow you to record one channel while watching another?

 

[Jetranger]

Possibly, but the DCT700 might not be able to communicate back to Shaw's billing system through the VCR and would eventually stop working. Also, you would have to switch from 'VCR' to 'TV' on the VCR all the time so the cable signal would just pass through. It would also limit your recording channels to those available on analogue cable.

Hope this helps.