HD300 and Sony DVD recorder...

[mjferguson]

I am wondering if anyone knows of a way that I can use my Sony DVD recorder much like a VCR with my HD300? I want to be able to set a record timer on my sat receiver and have my Sony DVD recorder recognize it when it kick on? Is this possible or not?

[jdspencer]

I think you'll also need to set a timer on the DVD recorder for the same time.

[mini1]

If the HD300 and the DVD recorder have "IR blaster ports" then you are all set. but I Don't happen to know if they do, you would have to look. IR blaster ports do exactly what you talking about, they send a message from your set-top to a recorder, using your onscreen guide to select the channel and time. IR blaster ports look like mini jacks, used for sound, they are always in pairs, as one is "IN" and the other "OUT".

[jdspencer]

That will only work if one or the other box has the codes to control the other one.

[durl]

I have a Sony HD200 and the Sony RDR-GX7 DVD recorder. The DVD recorder has a "synchro-record" feature that works with your receiver's timer to begin recording. (You don't have to set the timer on the recorder at all and IR blasters are not needed.) When you set your satellite receiver's timer and activate "synchro-record," the DVD burner will begin recording as soon as the it receives a signal via the A/V cables from the receiver (which it will when the timer turns the unit on). However, this only works if you're NOT watching a show with the receiver at the time. The burner will start recording as soon as it detects a signal, whether it's your timed event or not. The receiver that sends the signal to the burner MUST be off. The owner's manual for the burner can give you the details.

To make things easier, I use another room's satellite receiver (running A/V cables into the room where the burner is) to record timed events since that one is usually off when we're watching TV in the main room. Even my wife can work it. :-)

Of course you can still use the recorder's timer function if you'd like but this nifty little feature makes it VERY easy to records shows.

[jdspencer]

Hey, that is a neat feature. This is the first I've heard of "synchro-record".

[inpt4u]

The Pioneer DVR7000 DVD recorder has the same syncro function.