DTV Screen Saver on PPV records to VCR

[chambers_62918]

For the last couple of weeks when I have ordered a PPV movie and also tried to record it to a vcr at the same time as the dvr, all I get on the vcr is the DTV screen saver. The dvr records just fine. Is this a new "feature?"

[topflight70]

A little more info, if you please:

- What model DVR?
- What software version is it running?
- How is the DVR connected to the TV?
- How is the DVR connected to the VCR?

[Grentz]

Do you see the screensaver on the TV? All receiver outputs output the same thing, but potentially this could be something with macrovision/content protection.

[David MacLeod]

PPV is tied to access card isn't it?

[Canis Lupus]

Try doing the same thing with a non-PPV program.

[chambers_62918]

A little more info, if you please:

- What model DVR?
- What software version is it running?
- How is the DVR connected to the TV?
- How is the DVR connected to the VCR?

DVR = HR20-700
Software = x0290
DVR-TV = HDMI
DVR=VCR = composite (RCA)

A couple of new clues: On the VCR tape there is a statement something to the effect of "Your televison is not authorized to view this content" and, if I play the PPV from the DVR to the VCR it records just fine.

[chambers_62918]

Do you see the screensaver on the TV? All receiver outputs output the same thing, but potentially this could be something with macrovision/content protection.


This is the odd thing. If I watch through the vcr I do not see the screensaver. However, after the program, if I rewind the tape, I do see it. Most curious.

[chambers_62918]

Try doing the same thing with a non-PPV program.

No problems with non-PPV material.

[sigma1914]

No offense, but I didn't think people even used VCRs anymore. DVD recorders are so cheap, now.

[Tom Servo]

No offense, but I didn't think people even used VCRs anymore. DVD recorders are so cheap, now.
There are more VCRs still out there than DVRs and DVD-R's combined.

I've got a (now rare) S-VHS deck in my bedroom. Needless to say, I'll use it till it dies because it's a great recording device.

As to the OP - that is the oddest thing I've ever heard. I've never had problems recording programs off DirecTV via the S-VHS video jack with a H20 (non-DVR) unit. I haven't tried to record (or watch) a PPV in probably 6 years or more, but I have recorded PPVs way back then on the S-VHS deck with no issues.

Macrovision in my experience distorts the recorded picture to make it unwatchable... But you can still kinda tell what's going on; the entire screen isn't replaced with a different message, and the audio is completely intact.

Is this a relatively new VCR? What make/model? I'm curious - it may have some copy protection circuitry in it that other, older models like mine, don't.

[northrk]

When you say you ordered the PPV, was it a future event or were you watching it live?

[chambers_62918]

There are more VCRs still out there than DVRs and DVD-R's combined.

Is this a relatively new VCR? What make/model? I'm curious - it may have some copy protection circuitry in it that other, older models like mine, don't.


It's a JVC vcr/dvd recorder combo. I don't think it is the vcr since it did work fine until a few weeks ago. I personally think it was an unanounced "feature" added to one of the CE downloads.

[chambers_62918]

When you say you ordered the PPV, was it a future event or were you watching it live?

Tried both ways, same result each time.

[Laker44]

Tried both ways, same result each time.

Have you tried resetting your receiver.
I had a similar problem trying to record a program onto a DVD Recorder while it was being recorded to the DVR.

After resetting the DVR was able to record.

[chambers_62918]

Have you tried resetting your receiver.
I had a similar problem trying to record a program onto a DVD Recorder while it was being recorded to the DVR.

After resetting the DVR was able to record.

Just did, same result. Thanks, though for the suggestion.

[Drew2k]

This is an odd one. I know you were trying to kill 2 birds with one stone by watching the PPV and recording to the VCR live, but it sounds like you'll have to playback from the DVR playlist to the VCR to avoid the notice.

[chambers_62918]

This is an odd one. I know you were trying to kill 2 birds with one stone by watching the PPV and recording to the VCR live, but it sounds like you'll have to playback from the DVR playlist to the VCR to avoid the notice.

Yep, that does work. I'm just curious as to why it has changed in the last month. I used to be able to watch and record at the same time. Not now. I also wonder if I'm the only this is happening to?

[rudeney]

This is the odd thing. If I watch through the vcr I do not see the screensaver. However, after the program, if I rewind the tape, I do see it. Most curious.

So, let me get this straight. In addition to an HDMI connection, You have this setup:

DVR -> (composite video) -> VCR -> (composite video) -> TV

Now, you select the “composite” input on your TV and you see what the VCR sees. You select the show on the DVR and press “record” on the VCR, and you still see the show correctly on the composite input on the TV. Now, if you playback that same tape, you get the D* screen saver? Honestly, I don’t see how that’s possible. While it is possible for the VCR to refuse to record copy-protected content, and while doing that it might still pass-through the composite signal for the source, I don’t see how it can pickup the D* screen saver on the tape. Even with all the Macrovision encoding and such, composite video just doesn’t have the capability to carry two different signals. Something else has to be going on here. Are you sure it’s the D* screen saver and not something on the VCR? I am really perplexed by this!

[chambers_62918]

So, let me get this straight. In addition to an HDMI connection, You have this setup:

DVR -> (composite video) -> VCR -> (composite video) -> TV

Now, you select the “composite” input on your TV and you see what the VCR sees. You select the show on the DVR and press “record” on the VCR, and you still see the show correctly on the composite input on the TV. Now, if you playback that same tape, you get the D* screen saver? Honestly, I don’t see how that’s possible. While it is possible for the VCR to refuse to record copy-protected content, and while doing that it might still pass-through the composite signal for the source, I don’t see how it can pickup the D* screen saver on the tape. Even with all the Macrovision encoding and such, composite video just doesn’t have the capability to carry two different signals. Something else has to be going on here. Are you sure it’s the D* screen saver and not something on the VCR? I am really perplexed by this!

You are correct in your assumption on the hook-up. I don't see how it is possible either. It is indeed the DTV screen saver. Believe me, I've been a broadcast tv engineer for 30 years and I have no "good" explanation.