Recording NTL Digital
 

Hi

We have had digital for a few weeks now but we have trouble recording from it. The installer just told us to turn the video to AV when we wanted to record but this doesn't seem to work and all the video is now doing is recording whatever is shown on the TV screen at the time. So if the TV is switched off but the digital box is on the the video is recording all i get is a blank screen recorded. I don't know why this is happening as the digital box is left on.

We were able to record just fine when we were on analogue I don't know what the installer has done as it is a right mess. Now I cannot even record a digital channel when the TV is left on as when I turn to AV on the video I just get a load of popping sounds and no picture.

We requested a analogue pass through when the box was installed so that we could record a program on digital whilst watching an analogue channel or visa versa and this doesn't work either as it still records a blank screen when the video is set to a analgue channel and the TV is switched off. The pass through works just fine on the TV with channels 1-5 tuned in along with the digital box.

Does anyone know what I need to do to get this to work? Its a pace box we have with a cover over the smartcard I don't know what model it is.

Thanks
Steve

Re: Recording NTL Digital
 

Lets start at basics here. Does a pre-recorded film that you've bought play all right still?

What channel do you put the TV on to watch the vcr?

What happens when the put the TV on that channel the VCR on AV and then change the channels on the cable box?

Re: Recording NTL Digital
 

Lets start at basics here. Does a pre-recorded film that you've bought play all right still?

Yes they still play fine

What channel do you put the TV on to watch the vcr?

AV2

What happens when the put the TV on that channel the VCR on AV and then change the channels on the cable box?

When i first got digital it used to display the digital channel now it just has a blank screen and makes loud popping sounds. I can still watch analouge channels through the video with out the popping but i can't record them.

Thanks

Re: Recording NTL Digital
 

OK then next dumb question, you have made sure that the scart leads are fully in the back of the STB and VCR, some time they look as if they are but are out just enough to cause problems similar to the ones your describing.
It should be;

one from the STB to the TV.
one from the STB to the VCR.
one from the VCR to the TV.

If they're in ok and you still get no joy try swapping the two at the STB end only

Re: Recording NTL Digital
 

The model number of the PACE STB will be on a lable underneath it, (not that it will make any difference to this issue).

One of the quickest ways to establish if your VCR is able to view the STB output:
Switch off the STB, and unplug from the wall.
Tune the TV to the VCR output AV 1 2, etc
Now switch on the STB (if the TV changes channels automatically, manually change back to the AV1 / 2 as above.
Now tune your VCR to AV 2 / 1 etc. If you cannot get the STB's output up, something is very wrong with your wiring.

This all assumes your connections are by SCART leads.