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View Full Version : Feb. '09 OTA question

cth71
11-10-08, 08:55 AM
My parents live in Chicago and get their TV OTA, no cable/sat. I've tried to talk them into getting cable or sat., but the refuse. Anyway, will a VCR work with the OTA boxes they have to receive the new signal in 2/09, or will they need some sort of DVR then? If so, what device will work with OTA? I haven't had much of a chance to look into this, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
bobnielsen
11-10-08, 09:25 AM
A VCR will work with the digital converter boxes. If they already have the boxes, they should really start using them now, so any issues can be identified and dealt with. They'll also be able to access the subchannels for additional programing.
Stewart Vernon
11-10-08, 12:08 PM
Let me qualify that answer a bit...

IF they have an old VCR that doesn't have component or S-video inputs... then it would only work as a pass-through since VCRs (even modern ones) don't have digital tuners... so no way for it to tune or record the digital transmissions.

It could still be used for playback... but to use for any kind of digital recording you would have to input audio/video signals from the converter box rather than using coax to the VCR directly from the antenna.
krock918316
11-10-08, 12:10 PM
You also couldn't use the VCR to change the channel. I know a lot of older folks use the VCR to change channels.

*EDIT* I see that HDMe already answered my reply above.


IF they have an old VCR that doesn't have component or S-video inputs... then it would only work as a pass-through since VCRs (even modern ones) don't have digital tuners... so no way for it to tune or record the digital transmissions.
BobaBird
11-10-08, 03:08 PM
The VCR should be able to use the coax, but likely won't be able to change channels on the converter box. You'll have to tune the converter and leave it on or if you need unattended recording of more than one channel, get a converter that has its own timers.
Richierich
11-10-08, 04:44 PM
They just need to move into the 21st Century and the best way will be when their equipment won't work so they will have to get a DVR!!! It will be so much easier for them.
cth71
11-12-08, 06:51 AM
They just need to move into the 21st Century and the best way will be when their equipment won't work so they will have to get a DVR!!! It will be so much easier for them.

Thanks for the responses. I've been pushing this option for years with no success. Once they get to 2/09 and realize their limitations, maybe they will reconsider.