DVD Recorder and Digital Broadcast ?

[Mrgooch]

When all channels go to digital will I be able to record on my current DVD recorder?

[Cosmic]

The answer is 'yes'. I have a Panasonic DVR and it records both 'regular' and HiDef digital cable programming.

Claus.

[old_tv_nut]

When all channels go to digital will I be able to record on my current DVD recorder?

If you are using a built-in analog (NTSC) tuner with an external antenna, the answer is no - you need a converter box. However, if you are recording from a cable or satellite box, or if your DVD recorder has a digital (ATSC) tuner, then the answer is yes.

[markthefixer]

I have a Panasonic dmr-ez27 dvd recorder. The manual warns that if there are specific copy protection data set in the broadcast, it will NOT record on anything BUT a dvd-ram. That is because the other dvd media does NOT have provisions to store that copy protection data.

Then sometimes there are aspect ratio considerations...

[Cosmic]

Good info, I jumped to the conclusion that the OP would have a digital tuner already.

The aspect ratio issue is true too; I have yet to find the magic combination that will let my Panny DVR send both 4:3 and 16:9 material to my 16:9 screen without me having to hit the sizing on the display. It's not a big deal, but I need to do it.
Depending on the internal settings on the DVR, I get either correct 4:3 with 16:9 looking 'pre-squeezed' for widescreen, or I get 4:3 wiiiiiide with 16:9 correct (I normally run the former setting and hit 'Full' on the display for correct 16:9 playback.)

Claus.

[Mrgooch]

My DVD recorder has an analog tuner.My new TV has a digital tuner. At present I can receive both signals from the TV but when it goes all digital it looks like my DVD recorder won't record?

[whoaru99]

Not without a digital tuner...unless you're feeding it a video signal from something that does have a digital tuner and provides video outputs. Of course, this assumes the DVD recorder has video inputs, I'm not directly familiar with DVD recorders.

[Mrgooch]

Just found this on the FCC site.

Digital television sets are “backward compatible,” meaning existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, camcorders, video games, etc.) will work on digital TV sets. However, their video will only be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each analog product. Manufacturers are producing a number of different connectors to hook equipment together and improve picture and sound quality when DTVs are used with existing analog equipment. Check with your retailer to determine the types of connectors that will work with your equipment.

[markthefixer]

My DVD recorder has an analog tuner.My new TV has a digital tuner. At present I can receive both signals from the TV but when it goes all digital it looks like my DVD recorder won't record?

Some tv's have a video out in the back, you could take THAT to your analog only dvd recorder.'

If it doesn't have an output, you'll need a converter.

The prices for dvd recorders with only analog ntsc tuners have dropped through the floor both in the stores new and on the bay...

I have already done digital converter to vhs recordings with excellent quality...