Retuning DVD Recorder for digital changeover

Robert John · 10-10-2009, 3:13 PM

Sony DVD Recorder RDR-HX510 connected by Scart to Sony KDL-S40A12U Dig TV.
Unable to tune recorder to any channel other than 1 to 5 (BBC1 -- Channel 5). Normal retune using 'Easy Setup' proceeds apparently normally but only above channels.

Appreciate any views.

Starburst · 10-10-2009, 4:17 PM

Welcome to the forums

Are you sure the RDR-HX510 has a DTT (Freeview) tuner since the retune has no impact on the 5 analogue channels.

Robert John · 10-10-2009, 4:54 PM

Thanks for your comments- not being electronically technical I'm not sure how to answer. I have the technical spec to hand so what should I be looking for?
R

Fred Smith · 10-10-2009, 5:20 PM

DTT (Digital Terrestrial Tuner) tuner.

According to Amazon it does not have one.

ows90 · 10-10-2009, 5:27 PM

Indeed, the RDR-HX510 only has an analogue tuner and therefore you will not be able to tune in any Freeview channels on it. What you can do is record from the TV's Freeview tuner via the SCART cable (you would need to press PROG +/- to set it to record 'L1' instead of BBC 1--Ch5); but this is an awkward way to record, as you cannot watch another digital channel whilst recording, and the TV may have to be left on.

The solution is either a separate Freeview box connected to the DVD recorder, or a new DVD recorder with a built in Freeview tuner.

Robert John · 10-10-2009, 5:58 PM

Many thanks for the replies - sadly I think you are right and there is no separate tuner. Obviously I was badly advised by the (well-known general) store when I bought it . Also true that recording needs TV on. Presumably the sensible way forward is either (cheapest) to preface it with a digibox or (dearer) replace it with a new recorder with it's own tuner.

Separately I wonder if there is any way of prefacing my conventional VCR with a digibox to record digital. Just connecting it up certainly doesn't work!

Thanks to all,
R

Fred Smith · 10-10-2009, 7:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert John

Separately I wonder if there is any way of prefacing my conventional VCR with a digibox to record digital. Just connecting it up certainly doesn't work!

Follow 'ows90' advise for the DVD recorder it's basically the same for a VCR. If it's not a Sony VCR substitute AV1 or as appropriate to record from a digital receiver.