Virgin Cable + Dvd Recorder????

jgreenwood · 24-01-2008, 12:27

Hi
I am looking for some advice. I presently have a HDTV ( no inbuilt freeview) with Virgin Digital cable set top box. I considering buying a DVD recorder, rather than go to the expense of V+. If a get a DVD recorder with inbuilt freeview, am I able to view the freeview channels on my TV or not? Also if I record a programme on the DVD recorder, am I able to watch another programme at the same time like V+? & finally if the last answer is no, is it possible to have cable & a freeview box aswell running side by side as I don't have any analogue reception. Look forward to some inspiration!

Aragorn · 24-01-2008, 13:09

to CF
The answers depend on what recorder you buy and how many decoders it has.
I have a Panasonic DMR-EX77 which has a single freeview decoder, so this is what I can do -
1. if switched to the DVDR scart connection (AV1) I can watch freeview channels, while the DVD is idle.
2. As I have a UHF cable from the DVD to TV, I can also watch terrestrial channels on the standard TV UHF input.
3. If I am recording from Freeview, I can either watch the same on the TV or watch the analogue channels (or watch a VM channel)
4. I also have the VM set top box output into the DVDR and can record from that while watching an analogue program.
What I can't do is watch one freeview and record another.
You can get some DVD (or Freeview HD) recorders that have dual decoders.
Note - none of this will drive your HD screen to full resolution, although the Panasonic drive has an HDMI upscaler (not used myself as main TV is only CRT)
HTH

jgreenwood · 24-01-2008, 13:22

Many thanks for your prompt & informative reply.
As a bit of a novice, please can you explain the difference between a single & dual decoder??
Thanks Again

Aragorn · 24-01-2008, 13:41

Freeview DVB digital needs to be 'decoded' by the recieving unit (TV, DVD-R or standalone STB). Some devices have two sets of decoders (tuners) specifically so you can record one channel and watch another (like the V+). An example is this one.

jgreenwood · 24-01-2008, 13:47

Thanks
Lastly With a HD DVDR can you record onto the HD & discs, or do you record onto the HD then burn onto a disc?
think this is my last Q.

Aragorn · 24-01-2008, 13:59

Both - you do the initial recording to either HD or DVD and if HD, you can then Edit (strip out Ad's) and record to DVD-R for keeps.

25-01-2008, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgreenwood

...If a get a DVD recorder with inbuilt freeview, am I able to view the freeview channels on my TV or not?...
...I don't have any analogue reception...

When you say that you don't have analogue reception, do you mean that you haven't got a TV aerial?

I am asking because some people think that you can get Freeview through the cable feed, which you can't. You can only get Freeview by connecting the box to a terrestrial TV aerial.

telmapS · 25-01-2008, 19:44

From other threads you may find that in 'virgin that was telewest' areas you may be able to get guideplus via the stb, but in 'virgin that was ntl' you won't.

Also, if you are buying a Sony recorder, you may need to update its firmware before you get a working option for controlling the channel change on the stb.

S