Yes. No need to buy a new VCR and DVD player just yet. HDTV and DTV sets are compatible with existing analog equipment (VCRs, DVD players, video games, etc.), but not in high definition. Their video will be displayed in the maximum resolution that is available with each product.
If you decide to make a complete overhaul of your entertainment system to digital, there are high definition DVD players available: the “Blu-Ray” system from Sony and the “HD-DVD” system from Toshiba.
I hooked up my converter boses last weekend, the reception is great and I enjoy having 4 KETC channels now. Yes, the VCR and DVD work with the converter box but I am not able to program my VCR to record in the same way as before the conversion. Previously I could set it to record on various channels at the appropriate times, turn off the VCR power and continue watching any channel on TV I wanted. Now I have to program it to record on Channel 3 (the converter box), set the TV to the station I want to record and leave it there. I’ve looked online and there are some new VCR-DVD combos that have digital tuners but so far I haven’t learned whether or not they will allow me to program in the same way I did pre-converter box Does anybody know?
Marilin,
It is great to hear that you’re enjoying Channel 9’s digital stations. As far as the VCR issue–with the way you have your VCR and converter box hooked up now, you will only be able to record the channel you are watching and you must keep the VCR turned on.
It’s possible that a VCR/DVD combo with a built-in digital tuner will allow you to program to record on stations other than what you are watching, but you’ll need to keep the converter box you already have connected to your TV set. I’ve heard of some of our viewers buying a second converter box just to hook up to their VCR for the purpose of recording programs on other channels, and it sounds like the DVD/VCR combo would serve that same purpose.
The best thing you can do is visit an electronics department near you and ask to see how one of the VCR/DVD combos works with a digital converter box. They should be able to show you the proper installation and if it is even worth your time to set up.
Hopefully as the transition from analog to digital gets closer, manufacturers will develop a converter box that lets you record like you used to. For now, it would take two digital tuners to record programs on channels other than what you are watching.
2 converter boxes AND investing in a $300 combo? Please! The old TV and vcr upstairs – unconverted – will suffice to record my daily soaps until this all works itself out, or at least until February 17. In fact, I spent much of last weekend at 3 electronics depts. Every one had a resident expert with a different theory of what I should do (and drew sketches and diagrams to illustrate). After installing the boxes and playing with cables the rest of the weekend I learned that only one gave useful advice, i.e., setting it to record on channel 3. Did you mean leave the converter box or vcr turned on? Earlier tonight I recorded one of the Channel 9’s. I know I left the box on but think I turned off the vcr. Whatever I did, it worked great and I’m using a cheapish vcr that’s been in almost constant use for several years. The clear picture and improved reception make DTV worth the minor frustrations, which surely will work themselves out. If nothing else, the price of new equipment hopefully will drop in time.
That is to say….I actually hooked up my converter boXes. Up too late typing when I should have been watching my additional Channels 9.
Marilin,
It sounds like you could be the resident expert now that you’ve spent so much time at these electronics stores!
I’m not sure how you set your VCR to record, but unless you program it to turn itself on and record something at a certain time, you’d need to leave both the VCR and converter box turned on. It sounds like you’ve figured out what works best for your equipment, and I agree that in time these glitches will work themselves out.
Thanks for this info, we have linked to this from our blog…thanks!
So far no one has answered the question. With a dtv converter box installed will I be able to set up programming to record in the same way as without one or will I only be able to record the channel that is turned on with the tv on channel 3???
I would like an answer from someone well versed in the process rather than one who is a “jailhouse expert”.
Aparrently no one knows.
With a DTV converter box installed through your VCR, you will only be able to record what is displayed on the channel you have your box set to.
You will not be able to watch a program on one channel while recording something off another.