How do I connect VCR & Digital TosLink cable to PVR 721

[120inna55]

I'm will pick up my PVR 721 tomorrow.  My current DBS receiver is the model 4000 with a Dish 500 setup.  Currently I have the SVHS and RCA audio cables going to my JVC HR-S3900U VCR. (Then, to my Kenwood VR 2090 receiver).

How will I be able to connect my PVR 721 to my VCR as well as enjoy the optical digital audio cable when DD is available?  I know that I would not be able to record DD to my VHS, but I would like to be able to enjoy a DD broadcast when available (premium movies and PPV). My Kenwood obviously has plenty of ports for the optical cable, and I currently utilize digital audio with my DVD player.  My VCR does not support optical (I assume no VCR does).

 
Is this an either/or type situation, i.e. hookup to VCR=no option to utilize digital audio or digital audio=eliminate VCR??

Some may say, "Why do you need the VCR if you have a PVR"  My response would be, "The same reason they put VCR control support on the PVR software."  I would imagine that there would be an occasion that I would want to record something to portable VHS.

Thanks!

[BobaBird]

Welcome to DBSTalk! :hi:

Connect the 721 exactly the same as the 4000 is now then add an optical cable directly to the 2090, and of course a 2nd satellite feed. Configure the optical input as the same analog input (VCR1, DBS, etc) the VCR is hooked into. Assuming the 2090 does auto source detection it will play from the digital input whenever the 721 is on. To listen to the VCR while the 721 is on, select the analog signal on the 2090.

[120inna55]

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

[120inna55]

Apparently my 2090 is smarter than I thought. It does the switch between digital and analog seamlessley. Thanks again.