Using VCRs with satellite

I don't know about DirecTV, but Dish Network has boxes (like the 301 and 4900) that have an IR blaster, which tells the VCR when to stop and start recording. So all you have to do is set up your timers on the sattelite receiver, leave your VCR on and tuned to the sat box (leaving it on is very important), and make sure you have some blank tape in there. When the time comes, the Sat box turns itself on, tunes to the appropriate channel, and send the remote code for record that corresponds to your brand of VCR (you do have to set that one time). I use this system in my bedroom when there's already something I want to record on the 501 at the same time, and it works like a charm.

-Lyle J.P.

Welcome John! :hi:

I bet is someone gave you free use of a PVR for a week, that after the week was done you would not let the person who lent the PVR to you to take it back.

And yes what Lyle says above is correct.

Again welcome!

Another way to do it if the VCRs and DBS boxes are not near each other:

I have RF modulators on my boxes and have a mini cable system set up (6 TVs, 4vcrs, 2 Dish 6k boxes), I have one settop box set up for recording. You can tell the box to change channels at preset times (daily, weekly, specific date, etc). I then just have the VCR record the channel that the box is assigned.

I do it this way because VCRs are scattered throughout the house, not near the Dish box.

I hope that when the 921 comes out I can eliminate most VCR activity.

If you decide to get an RF modulator get a high quality one that will do MTS stereo. I can pick any UHF or cable channel (up to 125) for my signal to go out. (CE Labs, Cable electronics 2002G)

Mike123abc - that is certainly ONE way to do it (but the 2002 is like $500 !!!)

I'm using the ChannelPlus 3025 with 2 mono modulators to do the same thing.

John:
I must echo and second what Scott said - once you've used a PVR (for even a day or two), you'll never look back! They actually fulfill the promise that we thought we were gonna get (but didn't really) from the venerable VCR some 25 years ago! They make time-shifting TV programs so convenient and simple, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Just how much do you think one of these wondrous machines is actually gonna set you back, anyway? If you're contemplating going to a DBS sat system, you can get a FREE system from Dish Network that can be "upgraded" to include a PVR for (last time I heard) $50! I highly recommend that you seriously consider it.

PVR's are cool but they are limited. My daughter loves Rollie Pollie Ollie, PB & J Otter and Blues Clues. I PVR probably 6 episodes a week between them. She will watch each show on the PVR and tell me if it's a "keeper" or not and if it is, I will archive it to tape, freeing up space on the PVR (which is at a high premium right now).

I know John's initial question was about watching DBS recorded onto tape at a later date and for that you can't beat the PVR, but tape still has it's place. I can't wait for DVD burners to come down in price.

Yes, you are quite correct, Darrell ... a PVR does not eliminate the VCR, but is a marvelous, fitting companion to it. I do just as you do - I record programs on the PVR, and for anything I want to keep, I archive it to videotape. But my whole point to John was that a PVR's "user-friendliness" puts the VCR to shame, big time .

Originally posted by Lyle_JP
Dish Network has boxes (like the 301 and 4900) that have an IR blaster, which tells the VCR when to stop and start recording. So all you have to do is set up your timers on the sattelite receiver, leave your VCR on and tuned to the sat box (leaving it on is very important), and make sure you have some blank tape in there. When the time comes, the Sat box turns itself on, tunes to the appropriate channel, and send the remote code for record that corresponds to your brand of VCR (you do have to set that one time)

Click to expand...

....Same VCR recording procedure with the IR blaster on my StarChoice 421B. An excellent system!

John,
I know my RCA receiver for Directv controls my vcr. I don't recall
the model number but the feature to look for is 'one button record'.

There is a wire from the receiver to the electronic eye on the vcr. You highlight the show you wish to record on the guide, then press the 'record' button on the remote. Then you can turn off your receiver and vcr. The timer will turn on your receiver and switch to the channel you want, then it turns on the vcr and records the program. When the program is over it turns off the receiver and vcr. You can set it to record up to 8 programs.

Hope this helps you.

Tom

I have a Hughes that does the same thing as tomcook's (IR blaster). Don't use it though.

I just simply 'mark' the program in the guide and set the VCR timer and turn them both off. When the time comes, the receiver and the VCR both come on and record. The nice thing is that I can record different programs at different times (no two programs at the same time - requires another receiver and VCR) .

I do like the idea of PVR but haven't gotten one yet due to a few personal reasons. I am working on doing the same thing with a PC, though.