How to record a satellite program

self

[rudy45]

I have a Toshiba television/VCR combination unit. It has a coax input jack and also RCA video/audio (yellow/white) input jacks. The television is programmable for turning VCR recording on and off.

Here's the problem: we have DirectTV on this television, and want to record a program. The DirectTV receiver, as you may know, doesn't use the coax input, but rather uses the RCA input. In order to view DirectTV, we have to switch the television from "standard" (signal from coax) to "Line in."

Now, when I attempt to program the VCR timer, the only option I see is to select a CHANNEL. It apparently doesn't give me the option of selecting "Line in". So, I CAN set up VCR recording, but if I want a DirectTV program, all I will see probably on the tape is "snowflakes."

Any tips or suggestions? How about if I get some conversion cable (RCA audio and video to coax) so that the audio and video signals really now DO go through coax?

Thanks.

[TexasCajun]

Let me be the first:

Have you logged in? :)

Good Luck & Happy New Year

[rudy45]

(copying my daughter's sarcastic laugh): "ha...ha....ha" LOL

Thanks and happy new year to you too...

Any suggestions are welcome...

[rawcatslyentist]

Are there rca inputs on the front of the combo unit?
If so there will be an input select button on the remote to select the input source.

Kill A Commie For Mommie
Seven Dead Monkeys Page O Tunes

[Chief Engineer]

You have a few different options:

The direct TV receiver has an "F" Connector (coax) that puts the outpuit of the receiver on Channel 3 or 4. You can connect this to the VCR and select the proper channel.

The line input on most VCRs can be found by indexing past the end of the channel numbers, (when you get to Ch 2, keep on going) or the switch for the line input may be found onder a door somewhere on the VCR, on in a less obvious place such as the rear panel or under the front edge of the VCR.

Good luck

[dinasour]

You need to split the audio and video "line in" signal and connect that to your VCR.

Use the remote to select the "video in" and get it to display on the TV.

All VCR's that I've seen have a way to record from the video in. You may try to set up the recording while tuned to it. Often the VCR will default to that one when you set up a recording.

If your really in a pinch, you can get a little box that converts the video output to a standard broadcast signal on channels 3 or 4.

They cost maybe $30.00 at Wal-mart, etc

[Chief Engineer]

Almost forgot, there are two sets of audio audio and video outputs on RCA connectors on the back of the Direct TV receiver.

[The_Victor]

They do make RF (radio frequency) converter boxes to change RCA to coax so that you pick up the Sat signal on Ch 3 or 4, but is will hurt your image quality. Plus, I'm not sure they sell them anymore. I have one in my electronics scrap bin in the garage that is ~15 years old. There should be a way to get the VCR to record from the RCA input, but not knowing the specifics of your TV/VCR I can't help you trouble shoot it.

[rudy45]

Thanks everyone.

- When I scroll on the channel options on the TV menu, I DO NOT SEE line in, unfortunately.. It's a poor design option lol.
- yes, the receiver has coax output, so I guess I can use those
- Actually, everything is academic, because the program we want is on RIGHT NOW. I CAN record off the satellite in real time.

Thanks everyone and happy new year.

[ChefKeith]

Forget all the adapter boxes and cables stuff.

Co-ax line out of Direct Tv box into VCR line in, line out of VCR to TV input.

Set dish and VCR channel switches to 3 or 4 as needed (both must be the same) put TV on CH3, VCR on CH3 and pick the channel on the dish box you want to record.

Insert blank tape in VCR.

Press REC on VCR, whatever is on the TV screen is what you are recording.

[ken5050]

We now have all DVD players in the house, and I still never leared now to stop that annoying 12:00 on the VCRs..

[Tarpon]

Get a DirecTivo. They have record to tape outputs.

[The_Victor]

My preferred solution is to switch to a Sat DVR. If you contact DirectTV they are running a special for new customers that includes a free or low cost DVR. Threaten to switch to DishNetwork if they don't offer to upgrade you with the same deal. If they refuse, switch to Dish who has the same DVR offer.

[angkor]

Threaten to switch to DishNetwork

Dish Net is better anyway, IMO.

[The_Victor]

I have Dish too, but it's really 6 vs. half dozen.

[scott says]

As others have stated, go get a FREE direcTV Tivo receiver/recorder.
I just got one and it is a blessing. With the rebate it is FREE and the TIVO feature will cost you $ 5.99 a month.
My girlfriend is a huge Lakers fan, I get her the NBA season ticket every year as a Christmas present and have had to video tape the games for her, most are east coast starts ,ect...and she likes to watch the game after work.I use to have to set up the VCR to record, set the satellite to the right channel, ect...for every game.

With Tivo,I hooked it up, went into the menu, hit one button and now EVERY game is programmed to record. It is amazing.....
Do yourself a favor and get the FREE Tivo machine, it really is amazing. You can pause Live TV, no tapes, ect...it is awesome.