How do I hook this up?

[Ralph Kramden]

I want to be able to watch an OTA channel while recording a different OTA channel. The manual for converter box does not address this. Do I need to have a splitter in the mix to do this? Right now the OTA antenna comes into the converter box, out to VCR, then out to TV. The setup is as follows:

32" analog TV

Zinwell Digital converter box

VCR

Thanks.

[budda]

The converter is a tuner basically.  While the VCR can do what you want, the converter can't.  You need two converters or try just setting the VCR to a channel and then try to watch another. The VCR is just a pass thru. One question. Why do you still use a VCR?

[Ralph Kramden]

Can anyone be more specific? Can it be done with only 1 converter box?

We use a VCR because it works, and we don't have a DVR.

[budda]

Can anyone be more specific? Can it be done with only 1 converter box?

We use a VCR because it works, and we don't have a DVR.

No.  You cannot watch one and record another. Not a chance. Can't do it. Ain't happening.  Ironically it does not work.    

All the specifics:       http://xxx.dtvanswers.com/dtv_converterbox.html


Replace the xxx with //www..Peace

[brewtownska]

Let's see if I can provide a better explanation.  The tuner box takes in whichever channel you're currently tuned to, then sends the converted analog info to your VCR.  Your VCR can record it, pass it to the TV, or both.  But only the single channel.

Back when you had analog cable TV, all the channels came in via the 1 connection to the VCR.  Typically you could record 1 channel and then have the VCR pass the complete set of channels on to the TV.  So then you could use the TV's tuner to pick which channel to watch.  So that allowed you to record 1 channel and watch the other.

But with the digital signal and the tuner box, that tuner box can't decode ALL the channels at the same time and send them ALL to the VCR.  You only have the ability to choose 1 channel at a time.  So by the time the VCR gets an analog signal, there is only 1 channel.  Nothing else for it to pass on to the TV's tuner in the way of choices.

So you'll never have the ability to record 1 and watch another with the current setup unless you get another item in your chain that can decode a digital channel (2nd tuner box, TV with a digital tuner, a VCR or DVD recorder with a digital tuner).

If you were to upgrade your TV with a digital tuner, you could continue with your current setup to record 1 channel, then just split your antenna connection so the other connection goes straight to the TV's tuner.  Then you'd have the ability to record 1 channel with the VCR, and pick any channel to watch from the TV's tuner.

Hopefully that helps!

[jkane]

We use a VCR because it works

Actually it doesn't work with digital TV, and that's why you can't figure out how to hook it up!  :pyth

[Ralph Kramden]

Actually it doesn't work with digital TV, and that's why you can't figure out how to hook it up!  :pyth

As I used to say in my old TV show, "Har, Har, Hardi, Har Har!!

Actually, the VCR is not the problem. Now I know I would need 2 converter boxes.

Thanks brewtownska.

[wysiwyg]

I'd advise that your 2nd converter box be a different brand so that your remote control doesn't control both boxes at the same time.

If you have a TV with multiple RCA inputs, it makes things easier. Have the 1st Converter box connect to the VCR's RCA input, then connect the VCR to the TV via the TV's first RCA input. The second converter box would then connect directly to the TV's 2nd RCA input. Use a splitter to connect the antenna to both converter boxes. I've used this setup on two TV's for the past couple years and it worked out great for what it is. I use a Zinwell Zat970 converter box for recording and a DTVPal converter box for live TV.

If your TV doesn't have multiple RCA inputs, you can find tube TV's on Craigslist for $40-$60 (27"). I've gotten three TV's this way and have two setup at this time. Works great, except for the fact that the converter boxes are notoriously bad at implementing timer recordings and you have to deal with multiple remote controls. But, it sure beats spending $300 or more on a basic LCD TV then another $300-$600 on a DVR if such things are not high priorities in your life.