[MStarkey]

Hi,

I have a Panasonic E85 which I'm delighted with especially the really easy way it records fron Sky (just put the program in the Personal Planner and set the Ext Link timer).

However having demonstrated this to a friend who would like to get one I need to know whether this function also works with Cable (NTL)..

Can anyone help please?

Regards
Martyn.

[andykaz]

Hi

Can't answer your question (typical), but i was considering a similar situation (E55 and Telewest), and came to the conclusion it was floored due to the box not switching itself off again at the end of the transmission (i assume that unless you start setting self defeating timers, this will ultimatly consume your entire HDD, or at least around 6 hours of it).

Hope to be proved wrong though, although it is a bit of a non starter for me, as VR mode cannot be enabled with EXT link IIRC

[MStarkey]

Originally Posted by andykaz

Hi

Can't answer your question (typical), but i was considering a similar situation (E55 and Telewest), and came to the conclusion it was floored due to the box not switching itself off again at the end of the transmission (i assume that unless you start setting self defeating timers, this will ultimatly consume your entire HDD, or at least around 6 hours of it).

This isn't a problem for me - when the program ends the E85 stops automaticaly.

regards
Martyn

[andykaz]

Originally Posted by MStarkey

This isn't a problem for me - when the program ends the E85 stops automaticaly.

regards
Martyn

But does the E-85 stop because the signal being sent through the Scart lead is halted?

[MStarkey]

Originally Posted by andykaz

But does the E-85 stop because the signal being sent through the Scart lead is halted?

I'm not sure but I guess so...Some one out there must know ?

[jem]

Originally Posted by MStarkey

I'm not sure but I guess so...Some one out there must know ?

I think you may find that most people here don't use the Ext Link set up as it only gives a composite recording. Most, IMHO, use RGB recording.

I don't think any of the UK cable boxes output vcr control signals from timer recordings.
If you have cable, the Tosh XS32 is probably a better choice as it can select channels on the STB (details at www.redremote.co.uk/xs32.html)

[MStarkey]

Originally Posted by MikeHarrison

I don't think any of the UK cable boxes output vcr control signals from timer recordings.
If you have cable, the Tosh XS32 is probably a better choice as it can select channels on the STB (details at www.redremote.co.uk/xs32.html)

Thanks Mike - I'll check it out.

Regards
Martyn.

[MStarkey]

Originally Posted by jem

I think you may find that most people here don't use the Ext Link set up as it only gives a composite recording. Most, IMHO, use RGB recording.

Thanks jem, I have full RGB connectivity but for some reason couldn't get it to work - I got audio but no picture - perhaps I should review this again.

regards
Martyn.

Thanks jem, I have full RGB connectivity but for some reason couldn't get it to work - I got audio but no picture - perhaps I should review this again.

I believe what you are experiencing (audio but no picture) is caused by the Copy Protection system which is present in most of these DVD recorders. I seems the cable box (I have Telewest) sends a "protect this film" signal. I also think it only happens when using the cable box and an RGB connection. Recording the same film, if it's on a terrestrial channel, doesn't pose a problem.

I am using a full 21 pin scart cable at the moment, I might try one that doesn't have all the pins (or all the 21 cables). Is you cable "thick" or "thin". No pun intended!

I have just posted a question about it.
How do I remove copy protection on a Sony RDR-HX900?

Jamil.

[jem]

Originally Posted by MStarkey

Thanks jem, I have full RGB connectivity but for some reason couldn't get it to work - I got audio but no picture - perhaps I should review this again.

regards
Martyn.

This usually means that you are not putting in an RGB signal. If you are using the VCR socket from your Sky digibox it only ouputs composite - you need to use the TV out scart.

[andykaz]

Originally Posted by jamils

I believe what you are experiencing (audio but no picture) is caused by the Copy Protection system which is present in most of these DVD recorders. I seems the cable box (I have Telewest) sends a "protect this film" signal. I also think it only happens when using the cable box and an RGB connection. Recording the same film, if it's on a terrestrial channel, doesn't pose a problem.

I am using a full 21 pin scart cable at the moment, I might try one that doesn't have all the pins (or all the 21 cables). Is you cable "thick" or "thin". No pun intended!

I have just posted a question about it.
How do I remove copy protection on a Sony RDR-HX900?

Jamil.

I have telewest and full RGB connectivity and have no problems recording from it

[jem]

Originally Posted by andykaz

I have telewest and full RGB connectivity and have no problems recording from it

Shouldn't think you would either. I think jamils may have a problem with his settings.

Telewest changed my Scientific Atlanta 4000 STB for a Pace model and recorded seems to be ok now.
http://www.avforums.com/forums/showt...87#post1400287