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Recording one channel with a VCR while watching another on TV with new digital mini box
I still use a VCR to record an occasional program while I'm watching another channel on the TV. I just got a new digital mini box and the hookup diagram says both the VCR and TV must be on channel 3 or 4. Will I lose the ability to record one channel while watching another? Is there a work around to this problem?
MichaelJ
Moderator
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AllenP
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Valued Contributor
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Yes, you lost the ability to record 1 while watching a second channel. The work around is getting a second minibox for the VCR.
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JamesL
New Contributor
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What a drag. One step forward and two steps back.
On another note, I noticed the setup instructions for the mini box remote control had a serious error. Headline says "Say goodbye to remote control clutter." Clearly, should have been "Say hello to MORE remote control clutter," since now I have another remote to add to the collection, given it doesn't work with my smart TV functionality or the VCR...
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AllenP
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Valued Contributor
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I totally agree, I have complained about adding another remote in a few other threads. The function of the minibox remote is severely limited.
James, one question, are you using coax for input to your smart tv? You state in your original post that you must tune to channel 3 or 4 ... that assumes coax input. A smart tv should be HD and have hdmi inputs. Using hdmi will give you all channels in HD, coax is limited to SD.
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JamesL
New Contributor
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I tried the HDMI cable from the mini box to the TV, and it only works if the TV is on CH 3 and in HDMI input mode. You still have to use the Cox remote to change channels. The TV in question is a one-year old LG Smart TV.
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ChrisL
Former Moderator
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If you connect the mini-box to your TV with the HDMI cable it shouldn't matter what channel the TV is on. As indicated above each device that you wish to be able to tune channels on will need a mini-box. For your situation as described you would need one for the TV and one for the VCR. All channel changes are then done via the mini-box and not the TV or VCR.
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JamesL
New Contributor
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Thanks for the clarification. Looks like for an extra $1.99 a month I can have a cable box for the VCR, which connects to the TV via coax. I connect the TV to its own minibox via HDMI. Then, I can record one channel while watching another, and when I want to watch the recorded program I switch the TV input from HDMI to the TV/Coax input from the VCR.
Guess that's doable. Let me see, that's two cable box remotes, the remote for the TV and the remote for the VCR. Guess I will have to label the cable remotes to know which is which.
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AllenP
+4 more
Valued Contributor
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That brings up a good question ... if you have 2 miniboxes in the same location, are the remotes keyed to the unique box? Will changing the channel on one change the channel on both? I only have one minibox so can't test it.
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JamesL
New Contributor
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Yep. Remotes are not unique and will change channel on any mini box in range
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StephanieA
Former Moderator
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JamesL
New Contributor
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Maybe 2-3 shows a month on random channels. CH. 6, 8 , 29, 35. Nothing higher on the channel spectrum.
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ChrisL
Former Moderator
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I'd agree that puts you in a tough spot in terms of the cost to benefit analysis. If you didn't need to do both at once I'd say just switch the output on the box between the TV and the VCR.
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kenneymcc
New Contributor
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JamesL
New Contributor
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My work around for now is to install a splitter and have straight coax to the VCR on one leg and the minibox via HDMI to the TV on the other. This works fine and will continue to be a solution until Cox goes full digital later this year.
I tried the two box solution mentioned above, with the VCR on its own box -- and I put the mini box inside a nearby cupboard. All I have to do is open the door and change the channel. That avoids interference with the TV box. A bit cumbersome, but works okay and may be worth it for the $1.99 extra monthly fee.
If I did more recording of shows it would make more sense to just get a DVR. But I hate to spend the money for 2-3 shows a month when I have a perfectly serviceable VCR/DVD player/recorder.
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cable_hater
New Contributor
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I have a TV, VCR, and VCR/DVD player that are from about 1995. I have tried to hook up the mini box with these components in every combination possible (including what Cox is suggesting for the proper VCR set up with a mini box), but cannot get the VCR to record at all. I can play a tape or disc, I can watch TV, but I can no longer record shows on the VCR. We record about 6 shows a week due to our work schedules. Is there anyway to get recording capabilities back or has the Cox mini box just taken that away?
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