Totally confused, help needed with Digital TV switchover

lynette1253 · 22-07-2009, 3:37 PM

HELP PLEASE!

My hubby records 3 - 4 programmes at a time onto VCR's that are connected to each (old fashioned analogue) TV's. He likes to record TV as he works round the clock, he then can take each tape to whichever room for playback - We haven't yet thought about changing equipment because he can't see a way of doing what he does now with the "new fangled" stuff.

Please, can anyone tell me in basic English, that a tecchie dummy like me can easily understand - what equipment would be best to do what we do now with the minimum of outlay - buying one new TV is not outwith the bounds of possibility

I really would appreciate any input here - thank you

I have got some additional questions that hubby just curve ball threw at me -

What he is aiming at :-

A) Retain current abilities after switchover. I.e. Record at least 3
channels while possibly watching a 4th and 5th; and watch recordings in
any room.
B) Do this either:
- by buying bits that make the existing analogue equipment do all this
- or by buying new recorders to replace the VHS machines (but will still
want at least one VHS for playback).
C) Do all that first, then think later about getting new TVs. (Unless of
course some combined piece of equipment makes that tempting).

grahamlthompson · 22-07-2009, 4:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lynette1253

HELP PLEASE!

My hubby records 3 - 4 programmes at a time onto VCR's that are connected to each (old fashioned analogue) TV's. He likes to record TV as he works round the clock, he then can take each tape to whichever room for playback - We haven't yet thought about changing equipment because he can't see a way of doing what he does now with the "new fangled" stuff.

Please, can anyone tell me in basic English, that a tecchie dummy like me can easily understand - what equipment would be best to do what we do now with the minimum of outlay - buying one new TV is not outwith the bounds of possibility

I really would appreciate any input here - thank you

I have got some additional questions that hubby just curve ball threw at me -

What he is aiming at :-

A) Retain current abilities after switchover. I.e. Record at least 3
channels while possibly watching a 4th and 5th; and watch recordings in
any room.
B) Do this either:
- by buying bits that make the existing analogue equipment do all this
- or by buying new recorders to replace the VHS machines (but will still
want at least one VHS for playback).
C) Do all that first, then think later about getting new TVs. (Unless of
course some combined piece of equipment makes that tempting).

To record 3 channels at once you need really need two twin tuner pvrs (this will allow you to record up to 4 channels at once). Recordings are stored in an internal hard disc so no tapes are needed. You may need to buy two different makes to avoid problems with remote controls. IT's possible to send the signal wirelessly or over a coax link to the other rooms. If you want to continue with the vcrs a seperate freeview box will be needed for each vcr and again for the same reasons won't work well in the same room due to remote control problems.

derbyjj · 24-07-2009, 12:01 PM

Phew lots of unknowns but here goes.

Firstly i found this on e-bay/amazon you would need 4 though ! and might need new teles as well if your teles dont have scart connectors on the back.
most freeview VCR are over £200.

Panasonic DMR-EZ48VEBK - DVD Recorder & VCR Combination - With 1080P Up-Conversion & Freeview - Black by Panasonic
Price: £236.98
ispatched from and sold by xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
8 new from £221.00 1 used from £169.99 2 refurbished from £164.35

Aldi had some freeview digiboxes for about 25 pounds which you could connect to your vcrs via the aerial sockets as you do now. This would be cheaper BUT setting up the timer would be much more complicated. I don't know if the freeview box has a timer facility so you would need to set it to the channels you wanted to record and leave it until the vcr timer had recorded it.

I would think a freeview+ PVR would be the best thing for you. (assuming you dont want or have cable or satellite). This would allow you to easily record whole series of programmes automatically. And even record 2 programmes whist watching a previously recorded programme.