dvd

[geronimo 50]

cannot get the dvd recorder to record freeview programs
only channels 1-5 the tv beko with built in freevie any suggestions please

[Buenchico]

If I've read that correctly, you've got a TV with a built-in Freeview tuner but your DVD recorder only has an analogue one. If so, the first thing to point out is that you won't be able to watch one Freeview programme while recording another one. That requires two digital tuners; with a single tuner you'll only be able to record the programme which is being shown on your TV.

The next thing to point out is that, because your sole digital tuner is located within your TV, the TV will have to be switched on in order for you to record anything.

To make a recording, using the TV's digital tuner, connect a Scart Lead from the TV to the DVD recorder. (If you've got a choice of sockets, use the one labelled 'out', 'output' or 'recorder' on the TV. Use the one labelled 'in', 'input', 'external' or 'aux' on the DVD recorder).

Do not set the recorder to record any numbered channel. If you do so, it will record the signal from its own (analogue) tuner. Instead, look for a button (on the remote control) labelled 'AV'. (It might also be labelled 'Ext' or 'Aux' but 'AV' is most likely). Use that as your 'channel' selection.

Now your DVD recorder will record whatever signal comes through the Scart lead. To decide which programme it receives, use the controls on the TV's handset. e.g. to record The Sweeney on ITV3 tonight, while you're down the pub, leave the TV switched on and showing channel 28 (ITV4). Then set the recorder to record 'AV' from 2130 to 2230. If you wanted to record additional programmes from ITV4 you could simply programme in several different timings for your DVD recorder to operate. However, you can't record from any other channel unless your TV has its own timer function to make it switch channels.

Chris

[Buenchico]

Oops!

I just spotted that I put 'ITV3' where I meant 'ITV4' but I think that the post still makes sense. At least I hope it does ;-)

Chris

[geronimo 50]

many thanks have succesfully recorded a film but cannot
watch a different channel whilst recording. its aPhillips
digital dvd recorder.

[Buenchico]

Thanks for the reply.

Every 'active' channel (i.e. one which is either being watched or recorded) requires its own tuner. In the 'good old days' when you probably had a TV and a VHS recorder, both devices had their own (analogue) tuner. The tuner inside the TV fed a signal to the screen, while the tuner inside the VHS recorder fed a signal to the videotape.

Many people now have DVD recorders which either don't have any built-in tuner or only have an analogue one. With only one Freeview tuner available (inside the TV), it's impossible to watch one digital channel while recording another. You state that your Phillips recorder is 'digital' but I'm wondering whether that means that it's got a digital tuner (i.e. Freeview) or simply that it uses digital recording technology. If it's the latter,the content of my original post holds true. If it's the former you need to investigate further (because, with two digital tuners, you should be able to record one channel while watching another).

Assuming that your DVD recorder has got a built-in digital tuner, I'm wondering whether it's also got an analogue one. If so, that would account for the fact that you've only been able to record the analogue channels. i.e. your recorder is taking its signal from the wrong tuner. It would help if you could post again to state the model number for your DVD recorder. I can then check to find out which tuner(s) its got and then, if necessary, try to find out how to switch between the tuners.

Chris

[geronimo 50]

model no of dvd DVDR348005 thankyou

[Buenchico]

Thanks for the information.

If you were sold the DVD recorder on the basis that it's 'digital' (i.e. with an integral Freeview tuner), I'd go back to the shop and complain. I've just found it listed here:
http://www.laskys.com/tv_and_dvd/dvd/dvd_recor ders/philips_dvdr3480_05.html?cm_mmc=Pricegrab ber-_-Tv_And_Dvd-_-Dvd_Recorders-_-400599_PHIL IPS_DVDR3480%2F05&engine=pricegrabber&keyword= PHILIPS+DVDR3480%2F05
That page includes this as part of the description: "Analogue tuner: incompatible with digital channels"
That means that the content of my original post remains valid. You've only got one digital tuner (in your TV), so you can only record by the method I've described and you won't be able to watch one programme while recording another. To do so, you could purchase a Freeview box, to use as an 'add-on' to the recorder, but things can get rather complicated with cabling and recording. (You'd still have to use the 'AV' technique I originally described but take the signal from the Freeview box instead of the TV).

To get back to the position you probably had with your TV and a VHS recorder, where you could easily record one programme while watching another, you really need to upgrade your recorder to one that includes a digital tuner. (The cheapest one in the current Argos catalogue is a Wharfedale model for �99.99).

Chris

[geronimo 50]

many thanks chris have understood everything and it all makes sense. Have got a freeview box so will have a go.
thanks again.