How to Watch One Channel and Record Another With a Single Tuner DVR, Cable Box and VCR

You can watch one channel while recording another simultaneously using a single tuner DVR, a cable box and a VCR. Follow the simple steps given below to accomplish this.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• DSL connection
• DSL filter
• Single tuner DVR
• VCR
• RF cable
• Cable box
• Broadband connection
• Ethernet cable
• Wired or wireless USB adapter
• RF splitter
• Phone line in working condition
• TV
• Phone line splitter (as per need).

Connect the Cables

1. Purchase an RF splitter from your local electronics store (under $10).
2. Connect the RF splitter to the RF coaxial cable that comes out of the wall. If the RF coaxial cable is connected to any device after it comes out of the wall, remove the connection.
3. Attach one of the RF cables projecting from the splitter to the RF In point on the cable box.
4. Connect the other RF cable to the Antenna In point located at the back of the TV.
5. Connect the composite Audio/Video cable coming from the Audio/Video Out points on the back of the cable box to the INPUT connectors on the DVR.
6. Ensure that the IR cable (used to transmit signals from the TiVo DVR to the cable box) is properly attached to the IR connector present on the back of the DVR.
7. Connect a composite Audio/Video cable from the DVR Audio/Video OUTPUT to the Audio/Video INPUT on the VCR.
8. Connect a composite Audio/Video cable from the Audio/Video Out on the VCR to the Audio/Video INPUT on the TV.

Set Up a Connection From the DVR to the TiVo Service

9. Set up a wired connection on your broadband system. Purchase a wired USB network adapter and an Ethernet cable. Connect the network adapter to one of the USB ports on the DVR. Connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet connector on the adapter, and the other end to a port on the network hub or router.
10. Set up a wireless connection on the broadband system. Purchase a wireless USB network adapter and attach the same to any USB port on the back of the DVR.
11. Set up a phone connection by using a standard phone line in working condition and using the phone cable to link the DVR to a nearby wall jack. If the jack is shared by a phone and DVR, use the phone line splitter provided with the DVR.

Watch One Channel and Record Another Using a Single Tuner DVR and a Cable Box

12. Connect the power cord from a power outlet located on the wall to the port at the back of the DVR.
13. Switch on the TV. “Welcome! Powering up” will be displayed on the screen. If not, press the TV/Video button on the remote control of the TV and VCR to locate the right input program.
14. Use the TV remote control to change channels, while the recording of programs from another channel is in progress.
15. Watch the recorded video from your DVR by pressing the TiVo button on your TiVo remote, followed by the TV/Video button on the TV remote until you get the TiVo Central on the screen.

Tips & Warnings

• Verify that your IR cables are properly connected by ensuring that one end of the IR cable is connected to the IR port on the back of the TiVo DVR and the emitters at the other end are positioned in such a way so that the IR signal can reach the IR sensor on the cable box. The IR sensor on the cable box is typically a cone-shaped area that is usually behind a dark plastic panel. If you can’t locate it, use a flashlight to find the exact location.
• If you cannot see your video or the TV, check to see whether the VCR is on or off. Keep the VCR switched on while you view the recorded program on the TV, as there are chances that if is switched off the VCR may not be able to communicate with the TV signals.
• DSL subscribers should use a DSL filter to ensure an enhanced picture and sound quality if using a phone line to connect to the TiVo service.
• Remember not to pause or rewind the live reception as only analog channels are connected to the TV directly through the cable.

Who Can Help:

• Find Electrical Services Here. Compare Up to 4 Quotes, Free Service & No Obligation.