Can't Record to Combo VCR/DVD Player With HDMI/HDTV

[Jack 1000]

Any suggestions here?

I have TWC with an SA-8300 HD Navigator box in addition to a Sony Combination VHS/DVD player connected to a Samsung HDTV:

The TV and cable box are great:

I CAN:

Play a DVD with no problem
Play a tape with no problem
Record/ Play all content through the TWC DVR with no problem.

However,

I CANNOT:

Record anything to a VHS tape.  Playback always shows a blank screen.  Very very rarely do I record anything to tapes anymore, but what am I missing?

Jack

[klwillis45]

I'm guessing its a copy protection issue through HDMI.

I'd try component cables and if that doesn't work, composite/s-video.

[Jack 1000]

I'm guessing its a copy protection issue through HDMI.

I'd try component cables and if that doesn't work, composite/s-video.

OK,

Can I still keep my HDMI going to the TV and still use the video Red/White outputs cables to record VCR programing? (There are jacks for this as extras on the back of the set.)  Thing is, I DON'T want to lose my HDMI cable to something of less quality.

This is a standard VCR/DVD combo.  It does provide for Progressive Scan, but ONLY at 420p We got it about 4 years ago from Flanners.  If I get this hooked up, will I still be able to record HD programing? (Channel 500 range on TWC.)

I use it pretty much as a DVD player anyway.  Picture quality is AWESOME on DVD's.  However, because tapes are now so dated, it's not a big issue if I can't record to tape.

Jack

[skier8734]

I have basiclly the same setup execpt I don't have a dvr but you need to unplug the HDMI cable from the tv while you record because of the HDCP (hi def copy protection).  If you switch to component cables you get around it as there is no HDCP, you don't really loose any quality picture wise but you might sound wise.

[Jack 1000]

I have basiclly the same setup execpt I don't have a dvr but you need to unplug the HDMI cable from the tv while you record because of the HDCP (hi def copy protection).  If you switch to component cables you get around it as there is no HDCP, you don't really loose any quality picture wise but you might sound wise.

Thanks.  I think I may do what others have done, which is invest in a DVD burner should I choose to do recordings in the future.  Why is HDMI cable so persistent with copy protection?  If coax, and component work fine, what's the big deal with HDMI and copy protection?  Or is it due to HDMI's use in other media, which makes this an issue?

Jack