DVD Recorders & Digital

eyeball kid

Hi all,
not sure if this is the right place to ask but anyway. I currently have normal Chorus cable (16 channels). I have a DVD recorder that I can record from all the channels without having to watch the same channel.

If I get digital, will I be able to record programmes without having to watch the same program?

Is the normal analogue signal still carried on the cable (along with the digital signal) and would it be possible to record the old analogue channels in the normal manner?

Sorry if this is confusing.
thanks

dogmatix

No - if you get digital you can only use the one channel at the same time. So if you are watching a channel you can only record that channel. Unless your digital set top box has more then one tuner/receiver (as far as I know). It's one of the main disadvantages of digital over analogue from my viewpoint. Don't know if you can still receive analogue signals at the same time as a digital signal - I think you can with NTL but I stand to be corrected.

Ulsterman 1690

Panasonic do a DVD recorder with a built in digital TERRESTRIAL tuner but I dont think it would be any use for digital cable

paulm17781

With NTL it is possible to watch one digital and record one analogue, I assume the reverse is possible. Assuming Chorus works the same way this is also possible.

watty

Ulsterman 1690 wrote:

Panasonic do a DVD recorder with a built in digital TERRESTRIAL tuner but I dont think it would be any use for digital cable

Only to record the output of the NTL cable Decoder.

If you want to watch one Digital channel while recording another on Cable you need either
:: Illegal equipment. Big fines
or
:: UPC's not yet released in Ireland Cable PVR
or
:: Two cable decoders

watty

paulm17781 wrote:

With NTL it is possible to watch one digital and record one analogue, I assume the reverse is possible. Assuming Chorus works the same way this is also possible.

Yes. As these are two separate signals. If the Analogue is scrambled then you need an Analogue cable decoder too. (More Chorus analogue channels are scrambled than NTL because of piracy)

steveon

Are you on the Limerick Cable system? If you are then if you get a Chorus Cable Decoder known as a Qam box there is a feed available from the back of the box that will enable you to record the analog signal seperately so you will be able to upgrade to the digital and still be able to record the analog or record the digital whichever you prefer.

However you may need a new cable to be brought in from outside if you have it currently split so u may lose any other connections you might have around your house depending on how you have it split.

If you need any more help let me know,
Regards,
Steve

jimbob

Hi

If you are on the limerick system (cable), you wil be able to record
analogue while watching digital. I can do it no probs with a video recoder.

eyeball kid

thanks for all the replies.
I'm living in Naas using Chorus. Would this make a difference?

jimbob

I wouldn't say so.

eyeball kid

Yeah, it works. Tried it last night. Was able to connect the recorder directly to the cable before the digital box and all the old analog stations were there.

thanks for the help.

steveon

Nice one eyeball, its about the only decent thing chorus have ever done, I have seen some installers use this rf loop for connecting a second digital box but personally I wouldnt recommend it unless the Signal Strenght is quite high.

Happy recording,
Steve

watty

That's what its for. On digital you can check the BER.