DVD recording for idiots.

[bigsister]

I am finally taking the plunge in the new year and going to buy a DVD recorder.
I have a few questions though?
I have a set top digi box too so they will all need connecting together, (as the video was) which I think I can manage.
Can I watch one channel and record another? I dont think I can with a digital channel though, same as video.
If I use RW discs, can I record a prog one day, then use the disc another time to record something else as well, without erasing first prog. How does the recorder know where the blank bit starts? (told you I was a novice!), though I was a dab hand at my video.

[john91]

Yes, mine's the same setup and its all connected together with scart leads.
with your remotes you select the source of programmes for both the tv and dvd recorder, ie, tv, s-vhs scart 1 & 2 etc, so you should be able to either watch your tv through the digi box and record the same channel or one of the 5 standard channels on the dvd recorder or the other way round, what I don't think you can do is watch and record 2 different digi box channels.
when I put a part recorded disc in the dvd recorder I get on the screen the first frame of each recorded program, its length and a blank frame with the amount of time left to record.
hope you understand that and I've not made any mistakes.

[sunnyday2d]

hi john,
the first thing i suggest is, dont be tempted to go for
a cheap recorder.
as for connecting if you use scart leads,( i have a panosonic recorder with a hard drive )
i have a scart from the av.1 socket at the back of the tele
to the tv input of my digi box.
a scart from av1 socket of my dvd recorder to the video input
on my digi box.
then the ariel to digi box.
then coax lead from tele to dvd
then r.f lead ( coax ) from dvd to digi box.
as for recording you can set a timer to record any of the 5
terrestial channels. whilst watching another on the digi box.
or you can record the channel you are watching on digi box.
as for recording on a part recorded disc, no problem,
the player automaticly goes to the blank portion of the disc.
also unlike a video recorder you can not accidentally
record over anything, as you have to use the erase function
to remove programs you no longer require.
i will say since i have had mine i do far more recording
than i ever did on video.
as there is no rewinding tapes and searching for
programs, with a dvd recorder you can check the contents menu and you can see ( with thumbnails ) exactly
what you have on the disc.you can also name all the recordings.
the best home entertainment product i have ever invested in.

[bigsister]

Hi Sunnyday2d, Thanks so much for the answer, can i just ask why not to go for a cheap one?

[sunnyday2d]

hi bigsister,
i purchased two low priced dvd recorders,
One from asda & one from tesco.
both of which i had problems with, i ended up taking them
back. You know the old saying you get what you pay for.
i certainly found this to be true. i would not swap my
panasonic now, it is so versitile.
besides they are coming down in price now.
all the best Ray.

[Everhelpful]

Well said about cheap DVD Recorders,sunnyday. I had exactly the same problem,now have DVD Recorder with Hard Drive(Goodmans),Excellent.!!

[sunnyday2d]

hi everhelpful,
i agree goodmans very good value for money,
i have a goodmans freeview box and dab radio in one unit,
( dont mean the radio channels that come with all freeview boxs )
i have had it for 2 years, exccellent value, cost me �79
but you have the convenience of digi box & dab radio
in one box with just 1 remote control.
but i think they have stopped doing them now pity.
ray