Can't record onto tape from V+
 

I can play tapes thru the TV OK.
All the cabling has been checked and appears OK.
Yet when I try to transfer Shaun the Sheep from the V+ hard disk to tape all I get is a blue screen.
My red button interactive has been inactive (like most others in the area) for weeks so could this be part of the problem?
Or has anyone any useful suggestions I could try?

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

Are you using the copy option from the V+ menu?

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

Yes - it appears to work OK, I start the VCR to record after using the copy button on the V+ but only a blue screen is evident on playing the tape.

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

have you got a scart going from the 2nd V+ Scart to the input on the VCR?

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

My scart goes from the bottom V+ scart socket to the top (line-in) scart socket of the VCR.
The VCR bottom socket (TV -line 1) is connected to the TV.

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

i konw this sounds stupid but
i have the black virgin v+ box and the top scart is for the vcr output have you checked what output it says on the back of the box?

:D

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

Yes. I started with the scart at the top position in the V+ box and have since changed it to the bottom to see if it would be any different - but no.
My V+ is connected to the TV by an HDMI lead, though.
Would this cause any conflict?

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

Well there's your problem, connection via HDMI disables all of the other outputs afaik

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

That could explain it as I've used all various combinations of cables but always with the HDMI cable in place (as I want it for HD content)
So, you're suggesting that in order to use the 'record to VCR/DVD' setup that the only possibility is to have VCR or DVD that uses the other HDMI socket of the TV (if you have one - I do, but it's connected to a DVD player, not recorder).
It seems an odd setup especially since you need the first HDMI socket to be used in order to watch the (pretty non-existent) HD channels.

Do those that record to VCR/DVD not have an HDMI connection, and if so they then do they disconnect it first to use the 'record to VCR/DVD' method? But surely they couldn't the view the V+ content on screen? I'm confused and bemused by the whole idea !

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

So what the best way around this (if there is a solution).Ive got no HD tv enabled with my v+ either!!

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

connect to the TV via scart when you wish to copy to VCR?

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

That sounds a possibility, then.
So, to record to VCR/DVD, I, and others who have a HDMI connection, do :
1. Disconnect the HDMI cable from STB and TV
2. Connect Scart lead between STB and TV
3. Follow V+ instructions.

Is that right? Do we have to reset any settings as well?
Is this what everyone else does in the same circumstances?

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

HDMI disables scart 1 however when you choose the option to record your recordings to something else then the VCR scart will still work.

So you can still connect to your TV with HDMI and as long as its set up correctly then it should out put to your VCR/DVD.

Have you checked that the VCR/DVD is set to record the correct channel?

Have you tried connecting the V+(Bottom Scart) to the Line-1(Bottom) Scart on the VCR? Then doing the copy option on the V+ that is how I have mine set up and it works fine.

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

*** NEWBIE ALERT *** :)

The HDMI connection overides the TV SCART and Component outputs.

The VCR/DVD SCART is not affected by the TV connection method so you do not need to disconnect the HDMI to use it.

Just a couple of suggestions

• Is the SCART lead connecting the V+ to your VCR bi-directional?
  If not, have you tried swapping it round.
• Is the VCR set to the correct input (AV1, AV2)?

TW

Edit: 1st post and already beaten to it :)

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

Thanks. Yes, the V+ (bottom scart) connects to the Line-1 VCR.
But how can I check the VCR/DVD is set to record the correct channel?
Is it just a matter of trial and guesswork?

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

So ive got a VCR and The v+ Drive and a dvd recorder as my kit.So how should all these be connected up as im a total newbie for this.
Please put your explaination on here and dont use websites !!:) :) :)

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

Switch the TV to the VCR input then switch the VCR between AV1 & AV2 to check which one is receiving the V+ signal.

I would connect
V+ TV SCART, Component or HDMI to TV
V+ VCR/DVD to VCR AV2
VCR AV1 to DVD AV2
DVD AV1 to TV

TW

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

Is it possible that "shaun the sheep" is macrovisioned, and that this is stopping the video getting a stable frame lock?:confused:

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

Thanks for everyone's help and suggestions. I can now record from V+ to my VCR. The problem was compounded by confidence loss in V+ (no virgin central, no online, no interactive etc) and uncertainty re cabling.
I hit lucky last night. I happened to try the V+ transfer again but forgot to switch on the VCR and left the TV set for the VCR screen.
I could see Shaun on screen so obviously my cabliing of STB>VCR>TV was all correct and working.
As soon as I switched on the VCR, however, the blue screen appeared.
So my conclusion was the VCR was not tuned in.
Decided to go back to the 100 page VCR instruction book this morning.
As it covers 4 Sony models it was somewhat complicated.
But then, tucked away on page 60 was a sentence on line input (wierdly named Program +/- on my model !)
Changed from line 1 (TV) to line 2 (nothing) then line 3 .. and hey presto there was Shaun being recorded on screen.
I feel I've achieved the climbing of Everest (well, perhaps getting to the first base camp !) so I'll rest now and leave Virgin Media to sort out the interactive red button and Virgin Central channels.

Re: Can't record onto tape from V+
 

And joy of joy, I've just been phoned (2nd level) and the red button and Virgin Central channels were working within 10 minutes of rebooting.