How can you hook-up a DVD Recorder/VHS Recorder to FIOS or Satellite?

[W9GT]

Hey...this is a bit of an off topic item...but this is the QSO section right?  We recently got on-line with Verizon's FIOS fiber optic service for TV, Internet, and Phone.  It is great and I highly recommend it, however, there is a big bug-a-boo with trying to use our DVD/VHS recorder.  I guess one might have a similar problem with any system that requires a "set-top box".  We have the DVR box and it works great for temporary storage of recorded programs. However, it will not allow us to create permanent dvds or tapes of recorded programs without a cumbersome second step downloading of the DVR into the DVD/VHS machine.  The way the set top box operates, it won't let you record a different channel than what you are currently watching on an external device.  Only recording on the DVR in the box will allow recording on a different channel.  Anyway...is anyone aware of a solution to this problem?  Other than having a separate box for use with your external DVD/VHS machine.  I would assume that this same problem exists for those using satellite receivers and service.

73,  Jack, W9GT

[K3ZS]

One of the few advantages of cable without a box.   Using cable with TIVO or other DVR, you use a splitter to go to the VCR/recorder and TV to watch or record directly, otherwise you need two receivers or converter boxes.

[flintstone mop]

YUP
It's gonna be hard to split a fiber signal..................Ahhh yes the digital age where the  music industry and movie industry grab your JOHNSON and say "I GOTCHA YA!!!"

Fred

[W9GT]

YUP
It's gonna be hard to split a fiber signal..................Ahhh yes the digital age where the  music industry and movie industry grab your JOHNSON and say "I GOTCHA YA!!!"

Fred

Hi Fred,

Well the fiber signal is converted to an RF signal that goes via coax to the set-top box.  So really the fiber isn't the issue.  The problem is that input to the set top box is not the "standard" cable channels (except for a few basic ones).  So if you put a splitter ahead of the set top box, you can't get all the channels into the DVD/VHS recorder.  It is interesting to note that even the set-top boxes have a unique IP address.  This digital stuff is interesting, but frustrating if you aren't a computer geek.  I guess the only solution is to have a separate set-top box for the DVD/VHS recorder, but unfortunately, if they are at the same location, the remote control will make them both operate at once. 

The whole thing becomes quite complicated...that is why I'm looking for suggestions.   

73,  Jack, W9GT

[Pete, WA2CWA]

You can sometimes narrow the peripheral view of the remote by applying a pieces of black tape over the sides of the lens to narrow the beam. Stacking or side by side of the control boxes probably wouldn't help but locations like top shelf and bottom shelf for each or left side of TV and one on right side of TV, etc. probably would work fine.

[KB5MD]

You don't need to watch all that anyway, AM is the place to be!

[W4WSZ]

Jack,

Can you e-mail me a phone number and a good time to talk.....

73,
Bob,W4WSZ

w4wsz@embarqmail.com