How to Watch One Channel, Record Another with a Single Tuner DVR, No Cable Box and VCR

Any single tuner DVR with TiVo is equipped to provide for watching one channel and recording another with cable and a VCR. However, this feature does not work with a satellite box due to the lack of analog signals. The following procedure will work with a cable and an antenna as accessories, which carry analog signals that can be isolated and used.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DSL Connection
• RF splitter
• Single tuner DVR
• VCR
• RF cable
• DSL Filter
• Broadband connection
• Ethernet cable
• Wired or wireless USB adapter
• Phone line splitter
• Cable
• TV
• Phone line (in working condition)

Connect the Cables

1. Purchase an RF Splitter from your local electronics store (it can be bought for under $10).

2. Connect the splitter to the RF coaxial cable that comes out of the wall. Remove any device connected to the RF coaxial cable.

3. Attach one of the RF coaxial cables projecting from the splitter to the CABLE/ANTENNA RF connection on your TiVo box.

4. Connect the second RF coaxial cable from the splitter directly to the ANTENNA IN connector on your TV.

5. Connect composite A/V cables coming from the AUDIO/VIDEO OUTPUT connections on your TiVo box to the AUDIO/VIDEO INPUT on your TV.

6. Attach a composite A/V cable from the AUDIO/VIDEO OUT on your VCR to the AUDIO/VIDEO INPUT on your TV.

Set up a Connection from the DVR to the TiVo Service

7. Purchase a wired USB network adapter and an Ethernet cable if you want to set up a wired connection to your broadband system. Connect the network adapter to one of the USB ports on the DVR, then one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet connection on the adapter and the other end to a port on your network hub or router.

8. Purchase a wireless USB network adapter if you want to set up a wireless connction and attach the same to any USB port on the rear of the DVR.

9. 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 above options aren't available. 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 Simultaneously Using a Single Tuner DVR, Cable and VCR

10. Connect the power cord from a wall outlet to the port at the back of your DVR.

11. Switch on the television and the VCR. "Welcome! Powering up,” will be on the screen display. If not, press the TV/Video option on the TV and VCR remote controls to get an appropriate setting.

12. Use the remote control to navigate through the various channels while the recording is in progress.

13. Press the TiVo option on the TiVo remote and the TV/Video option on the TV control until you get the TiVo Central display when you want to view the recorded program from the DVR.

Tips & Warnings

• Select a wireless network connection; it's got less hassles and gives a better picture and sound quality than a phone connection.
• Once you obtain your input settings for the TV and VCR, jot it down somewhere for future reference.
• 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.
• Do not to pause or rewind the live reception as only analog channels are connected to the TV directly through the cable and not for all.
• Keep the VCR switched on while viewing the recorded program because the VCR may have complications in communicating the signals.

[redcowlady]

on 2/12/2009 I have an outdoor antenna, analog tv, DTVPal digital box and a dvd/vcr recorder WITH A TUNER. I connected the antenna to the dvd/vcr recorder, then went from the dvd/vcr recorder to the in from antenna on the digital box and then went from the digital box out to the tv. I am able to timer record on the dvd/vcr and still watch any channel I want, as long as I set the tv on channel 3 and use the digital box remote to select the channel that I want to watch. Very simple and I don't need any extra equipment like splitters, etc. You do have to have a dvd/vcr with a tuner and you do have to use three remotes, not handy, but works and I don't have to go buy any new tv sets.