Can't Save To VCR

[chuck.lewis]

I have not been able to Save To VCR. The installer, last January, also could not do it. I hooked up the system per instructions in the manual. The installer tried numerous connection schemes-none worked. I have a Directv HD DVR HR 10-250. Have two VCRs; A Mitsubishi HSU 748 and a JVC HR-VP830U-Tried both. My receiver is a 12 to 15 year old Technics SA GX330. It doesen't have a digital audio in jack. I use Composite A/V cables. I have had no trouble recording tapes from cable and playing them back in the past, using these VCRs. I set the DVR's video output mode to 480i, per instuctions. I read a reply in another thread that the cables from the TiVo must be connected to the "line in" on the VCR. Not sure what that means. My VCRs only have "in" jacks. I can, and have tried, using "auxilliary in" rather than a channel number. Isn't "auxilliary in" the same as "line in"?

I have tried dozens of times to save to VCR. Each time, the playback gives me a blue screen with no audio. Hope someone can help me.

[alansplace]

I have not been able to Save To VCR.

I have tried dozens of times to save to VCR. Each time, the playback gives me a blue screen with no audio. Hope someone can help me.chuck....can you play a tape and see it on the tv?

if so, in that same display mode, you should be able to see the screen where you choose from the tivo menu to 'save to vcr'. and also see the 'on screen display' of the vcr when you press 'record' (or 'play + record').

some vcr's require you to set (or tune) to a setting (or channel) referred to a 'L-1' or something similar.
--
Alan :D

[chuck.lewis]

Alan,
Yes, I can play a tape and watch it on tv. Not sure what you mean when you say I should see the "on screen display" of the vcr when I press 'record'. When I press 'record', I am seeing the program that I am recording on the tv screen. On the vcr front window, I see the little red dots rotating clockwise and the 'record' symbol to show me that it is recording.

I have tried setting the vcr to ch 3 and also setting it to AU (auxilliary). I believe that is the same as 'Line' or L1 which is the option on some vcrs. Am I right about that? In any case, I cannot Save To VCR with any setting I try--Always get blue screen and no audio on playback.
Chuck

[alansplace]

Alan,
Yes, I can play a tape and watch it on tv. Not sure what you mean when you say I should see the "on screen display" of the vcr when I press 'record'. When I press 'record', I am seeing the program that I am recording on the tv screen. On the vcr front window, I see the little red dots rotating clockwise and the 'record' symbol to show me that it is recording.'OSD' is sometimes a red dot, or sometimes 'REC' appears for a short time on the tv screen when you begin recording.

when you're rewinding a tape you just viewed, right when you begin the rewinding a 'REW' appears on the screen, right? same with recording.



I have tried setting the vcr to ch 3 and also setting it to AU (auxilliary). I believe that is the same as 'Line' or L1 which is the option on some vcrs. Am I right about that? In any case, I cannot Save To VCR with any setting I try--Always get blue screen and no audio on playback.
Chuckno, i don't believe so. when you tune to below 2 (or 1) what happens? should be L-1, L-2, F-1 or something like that. if you've gotten 'save to vcr' to appear on your tivo screen then switch to the vcr display and play with the tuner till you see the tivo screen with the 'save to vcr' choice. then you're ready to record and can start the vcr recording and then choose the 'save to vcr' item--
Alan :D

[chuck.lewis]

Alan,
I believe I have the option to set up my JVC to get OSD but haven't selected it. Don't want to see it. I can look in the vcr front panel and see what is happening. When I record, the red REC appears and dots circle clockwise to show that the tape is moving forward. I can select AUX from my remote control--also by channeling down past ch 2. If I try to channel down further, it remains at AUX. I set this vcr to AUX when I dub from another vcr to this one. My understanding is that it is same as Line input.

You suggest that, after I get 'save to vcr' on the Tivo screen, I switch to the vcr display and play with the tuner until I see tivo screen with the 'save to vcr'. Don't know what you mean by 'play with the tuner'. By the vcr display, I assume you mean 'tv', which is where I would view the vcr on playback. When I switch to that, all I get is a blue screen. Don't know of a way to see the tivo screen through the vcr.
Chuck

[alansplace]

By the vcr display, I assume you mean 'tv', which is where I would view the vcr on playback. When I switch to that, all I get is a blue screen. Don't know of a way to see the tivo screen through the vcr.
Chuckyes, the tv.

when you view a tape the tv must be set to display the output of the vcr.

it's the same when you want to record a tape except that your vcr does not appear to automatically choose the active source, so you must do it manually.

first, as before, the tv must be set to display the output of the vcr.

second, the vcr must also be set to the input that is coming from the tivo's output (the correct source).

generally, if the tivo is hooked to the rear of the vcr with rca cables then that input is L-1 (F-1 would be the setting if the tivo were connected to the rca terminals on the front panel of the vcr).

so, using either a toggle button (if it exists on your vcr' remote) or the vcr's tuner, you must set the input of the vcr to whatever input terminals that you've hooked up the tivo to the vcr using. on mine, it's L-1 and is located as a lower setting than channel 2.

after doing that you should see the tivo screen on the tv, and not a blue one.

see the illustration below:
http://files.tagworld.com/156bcb7d04fd140e490f89b7918633cb851b.gif
what you are doing is activating input of the vcr that the output from the tivo is directly hooked to.
--
Alan :D

[chuck.lewis]

Alan,
Thanks. I have a relatively new tv with functions and modes with abbreviations that I am unfamiliar with. Haven't given much attention to them because before I got DirecTv I had no trouble watching tv and recording to vcr, then playing them back. It is a Tatung (WalMart) 30" LCD, Model #V30DMTT. I will need to familiarize myself with it, try your suggestions, and get back to you.
Chuck

[alansplace]

Alan,
Thanks. I have a relatively new tv with functions and modes with abbreviations that I am unfamiliar with. Haven't given much attention to them because before I got DirecTv I had no trouble watching tv and recording to vcr, then playing them back. It is a Tatung (WalMart) 30" LCD, Model #V30DMTT. I will need to familiarize myself with it, try your suggestions, and get back to you.
Chuckchuck....good luck!
--
Alan :D

[chuck.lewis]

Alan,
In the meantime, You live in Southern California. Mind telling me where? I live in Oceanside.
Chuck

[alansplace]

Alan,
In the meantime, You live in Southern California. Mind telling me where? I live in Oceanside.
Chuckchuck....ah, oceanside, the home of my favorite 'computer stuff' supplier, geeks.com. i'm in moreno valley.
--
Alan :D

[murgatroyd]

Here's a wild-assed guess for you.

It's my understanding that you can't use a standard def VHS deck to record HD; you need a D-VHS deck instead. I do see that you're setting the output to 480i, but my husband wonders if there is still something different about the sync between your DVR and the VHS decks which is screwing you up.

Maybe you should use this as an excuse to buy yourself a nice D-VHS deck instead. :D

Good luck getting it all straightened out.

Jan

[gastrof]

Ummm....NO.

If an HD tuner of any kind is meant to work with both widescreen/HD TV sets AND standard TV sets, it'll work with a VCR.

(And as a side point, a digital VHS recorder doesn't mean high def.; it means it records digitally, but digital doesn't mean high def since a DVD is recorded digitally and it still isn't high def.)

You have to use the A/V outputs on the DirecTV DVR, and feed the signals (audio and video) into the VCR thru its A/V inputs.

It WILL work. If set to work with a standard TV, the HD source will feed out a downconverted signal the VCR will be able to work with, just like a standard TV would be able to.

[chuck.lewis]

Thanks Jan, but the installer told me that I should have no trouble saving to my vcr. That I just wouldn't get it in HD. Gastrof confirms this, and yes Gastrof, I have the A/V outputs on the DVR connected to the vcr A/V inputs.

There may be some setting on my tv that I need to change, as suggested by Alan. If this is so, I don't understand why. I never had trouble recording from cable. No special setting on the tv was necessary.

By the way, when I signed up, I was advised that I must choose a username that included my real first name. Are your first names Murgatroyd (quaint) and Gastrof (quainter)? Thank you both for your comments. Now---how about a solution. Surely I'm not the only one who has this problem. Oh, and DirecTv Customer Service--Useless; For this problem at least.
Chuck

[gastrof]

Chuck...what do you get when you feed the VCR into the TV?

Are you able to play tapes and get TV reception thru the VCR's own tuner?

What then happens if you change channels to the VCR's own AV inputs?

Can you show us a picture of some sort of the back of your VCR, and do you have the manual that came with it?

[alansplace]

There may be some setting on my tv that I need to change, as suggested by Alan. chuck....no, i tried to indicate that you should have the tv input set the same as when you view a tape on the vcr.

the setting that is different is the active input on the vcr. the vcr's active input is set on the vcr itself, not on the tv.

you must set the input of the vcr to use whatever input terminals that you've hooked up the from the tivo to the vcr. this is the active input.

when you get the blue screen it is telling us that the vcr is not getting a signal from the tivo.

what you need to do is activate the 'input of the vcr' that the 'output from the tivo' is directly hooked to.
--
Alan :D

[murgatroyd]

What I really meant to say with my tongue-in cheek comment was that some VCRs are fussier than others about the quality of the incoming video signal.

Good luck finding a solution that works for you.

Jan

[chuck.lewis]

Chuck...what do you get when you feed the VCR into the TV?

Are you able to play tapes and get TV reception thru the VCR's own tuner?

What then happens if you change channels to the VCR's own AV inputs?

Can you show us a picture of some sort of the back of your VCR, and do you have the manual that came with it?
gastrof..When I feed VCR into the TV?? When I play a tape, I select AV source on my TV and play the tape with no problem, no matter what VCR channel I select. When I play a tape that I "saved" from DirecTv, I get a blue screen and no audio. It simply isn't being recorded. The only TV reception I get is from DirecTv. To get that, I must select PC source on the TV. That doesn't seem right. It seems I should select TV source. Was this an option the DirecTv installer had, and chose? If so, I don't know why. In any case, That's the way it is. I only get a blue screen on the TV source.I do have the VCR's manual. The back of the VCR has 2 audio and 1 video input and same outputs. It also has a coax antenna input and coax RF output. It has audio and video inputs in the front as well. I use the rear ones and select "rear" in the VCR detup. When I have recorded tapes from another recorder, I select Aux on this VCR and feel pretty certain that it is what should be used when "saving to VCR". I have tried "saving" with it set to ch 3 as well.

I trust this answers your questions. I am at a complete loss.
Chuck

[murgatroyd]

Hi, Chuck --

99.99% of the time when someone can't save to VCR it is because they aren't sending the signal to the right set of inputs on the VCR, as others have been suggesting above.

I find it helpful to make a diagram of all your gear and make sure that you know what is plugged in to what and which selections you have to make in order to see things. From your post above it seems that you aren't quite sure why your installer set things up the way he did. Making a map might help.

I'm going to describe my setup simply for purposes of illustration.

I have two SA TiVos and cable TV with no cable box. Each TiVo has a cable line coming into its input. Each TiVo has two outputs, one leading to a TV input and one leading to inputs on my VCR (as you described, the inputs on the VCR are one in the front and one in the rear).

So the paths are:
Cable --> TiVo #1 --> TV Video 1
Cable --> TiVo #1 --> VCR Line 1 --> TV RF in
Cable --> TiVo #2 -- > TV Video 2
Cable --> TiVo #2 --> VCR Line 2 --> TV RF in

The VCR has a switch to output on channel 3 or channel 4; mine is set to channel 3.

To Save to VCR, here's what I do:

For TiVo #1 --
Step 0: the TV tuner needs to be set to channel 3
Step 1: I set the TV input to the input which shows what the VCR is playing (the RF connector on channel 3). This is the same way I would set the TV input if I want to play a tape.
Step 2: I use the TV/VCR button on the VCR remote to look at the VCR instead of the TV
Step 3: I set the VCR input to Line 1
Step 4: to confirm I am looking at the correct TiVo, I cycle through the TV inputs and make sure that the picture is the same as the TiVo's other output, which is Video 1 on the TV. Then I return to the RF input (set to channel three) on the TV. Video 1 and channel 3 on the TV should match. If not, I've made a mistake, usually by going wrong in step 2 or 3.

For TiVo #2, I do the exact same thing, except that I choose Line 2 on the VCR and Video 2 on the TV.

As others have said, you want to set the TV up so that you are looking at the VCR the same way that you do when you play a tape. This allows you to monitor what the VCR is seeing. If the signal is going through the right set of inputs in the VCR you should then see the video signal that you want to record.

The settings you do at other times don't matter, except as a cross-check to make sure that you are recording from the right video source.

If you can't set your VCR up as if to view a tape and select an input which shows you your DirecTV receiver/DVR, then your VCR can't see DirecTV and you won't be able to record it.

Hope this helps.

Jan

[phox_mulder]

Try this.
Just to confirm, you have the yellow/red/white cable hooked to the back of the TiVo, in the corresponding color coded outputs, and hooked to the same color coded inputs on the VCR, right?
If so, move on to the next step.

Watch a prerecorded video tape, if you see it and hear it on the TV then move to the next step.
Don't touch anything on the TV, leave it as it was when you were watching the video.

Now turn on the TiVo, set the output to 480i using the button on the front of the HR10-250.
then, using the VCR remote, change to the input you have the TiVo hooked to.
Should be AUX, LINE IN, LINE 1, LINE 2, maybe even channel 00, once you've found the correct input, you should see the TiVo screen on the TV.

Remember, you haven't done anything with the TV, it is still set up like you were watching a video tape.

Now, put in a blank tape into the VCR and push record, let it record for a couple minutes.
TiVo should still be on the main screen if you've done this quick enough, and that should be what you are recording.
Now with the TiVo remote, do stuff.
Go to system info, page up and down in there, go to now playing and play a couple different shows, go back to main TiVo screen, etc

Now rewind the tape and play it back, you should see what you just recorded,
main TiVo screen, system info, now playing, couple of different shows, etc.

If this all worked, leave everything set as it was, and try saving to VCR again.

If it now doesn't work, there is something wrong with the TiVo,
or perhaps, you are trying to save "copy protected content".
This content can only be recorded once, so once you've recorded it in the TiVo, you can't record it again.

To test this "copy protection, leave everything as it was set in the above steps.
Start a tape recording again, then go into "now playing" and play a little of a bunch of different shows, from a bunch of different channels, especially HBO/Showtime type channels if you have them,
make note of what shows you played, and what ones didn't show up on the tape when you go to play it back.

Report back as to what happened, and if you got it working right.


phox

[chuck.lewis]

chuck....no, i tried to indicate that you should have the tv input set the same as when you view a tape on the vcr.

the setting that is different is the active input on the vcr. the vcr's active input is set on the vcr itself, not on the tv.

you must set the input of the vcr to use whatever input terminals that you've hooked up the from the tivo to the vcr. this is the active input.

when you get the blue screen it is telling us that the vcr is not getting a signal from the tivo.

what you need to do is activate the 'input of the vcr' that the 'output from the tivo' is directly hooked to.
--
Alan :D
Alan, My hookup and vcr input is as you advise. I agree that the blue screen on playback means the vcr did not get the signal from the dvr (tivo), but why? I am convinced that the hookup is correct. Despite suggestions to the contrary, I can watch a tape only by selecting AV as signal source on the tv and can see what is being broadcast live only by selecting PC as the signal source.
Chuck

[wscannell]

What you want to do is select AV as signal source on your TV. With the VCR and set to line in, you should be able to see the TiVo output on the TV. If at this point you only have a blue screen and you think the cables are correct between the TiVo and VCR, put a tape in the VCR with something recorded on it and press play. You should see the tape playing. Stop the tape and you then should see the TiVo output. (The reason for the tape is that some VCRs have a power save mode and will not produce output until a tape is played. Once the tape is played, then they will show the line input.)

If you still do not see anything TiVo on your TV, the TiVo to VCR connections are suspect (or the output mode of your HD TiVo is not set to SD).

[tubsone]

What's a VCR??? :rolleyes:

[alansplace]

Alan, My hookup and vcr input is as you advise. I agree that the blue screen on playback means the vcr did not get the signal from the dvr (tivo), but why? chuck....because there is a setting available on the vcr that makes the rca cable connection from the tivo to the vcr the active connection and you have not yet figured out how to activate that setting.

what's the make/model of the vcr, perhaps i can located a owner's manual (pdf) for it?



I am convinced that the hookup is correct. Despite suggestions to the contrary, I can watch a tape only by selecting AV as signal source on the tv and can see what is being broadcast live only by selecting PC as the signal source.
Chuckif your hookup is like this:
http://files.tagworld.com/156bcb7d04fd140e490f89b7918633cb851b.gif
then, when you are viewing what you're referring to as 'what is being broadcast live' the path of that signal is from the wall outlet, through the cable box, then through the tivo and then to the tv, not passing through the vcr at all.

to record 'what is being broadcast live' or a 'save to vcr' command you must redirect the signal path through the vcr before it gets to the tv.

is the tv hooked on one set of rca cable outputs (the two sets marked 'out' [1 & 2]) and the vcr hooked to the other set (see picture below)?
http://files.tagworld.com/5d365ee380d7e1b449a1ae86686cc81cbb92.jpeg
--
Alan :D

[phox_mulder]

path of that signal is from the wall outlet, through the cable box, then through the tivo and then to the tv, not passing through the vcr at all.

Chuck has an HR10-250, there is no Cable Box involved.

He says he used to be able to record on VHS, back when he had cable, but not since he switched to DirecTV.

what's the make/model of the vcr, perhaps i can located a owner's manual (pdf) for it?

Have two VCRs; A Mitsubishi HSU 748 and a JVC HR-VP830U-Tried both.


phox

[alansplace]

Chuck has an HR10-250, there is no Cable Box involved.

He says he used to be able to record on VHS, back when he had cable, but not since he switched to DirecTV.





phox

Originally Posted by alansplace
what's the make/model of the vcr, perhaps i can located a owner's manual (pdf) for it?

Originally Posted by chuck.lewis
Have two VCRs; A Mitsubishi HSU 748 and a JVC HR-VP830U-Tried both.
good reading phox! but which vcr is he currently using? is the picure of the rear of the tivo unit i included inaccurate (i added it in a edit)?
--
Alan :D

[phox_mulder]

good reading phox! but which vcr is he currently using? is the picure of the rear of the tivo unit i included inaccurate (i added it in a edit)?
--
Alan :D

The back of the HR10-250 doesn't have any "inputs" other than 2 satellite and 1 OTA antenna,
1 set of Component video out, and 1 set of Composite(RCA)/Svideo out, and 1 HDMI.
(USB is useless, and the serial/IR ports aren't active either)
See if this picture works
http://www.solidsignal.com/images/products/HD-DVR250_det_zoomC.gif

phox

[alansplace]

chuck....on your hs-u748 remote there is a button marked 'input' located right below the number '9'. it is described as such:

INPUT
Select between the antenna and any other video equipment that may be connected.
--
Alan :D

[alansplace]

chuck....on your HR-VP830U it appears that there is a selection on your tuner 'channel UP/DOWN' called 'ON LINE'. it appears that maybe it won't show up unless you've set it in initial setup to 'ON LINE'. this procedure begins on page 16.
--
Alan :D

[wscannell]

The A/V outputs of the TiVo are the outputs that must be connected to the VCR inputs. The component jacks will not work with a VCR.

[phox_mulder]

The A/V outputs of the TiVo are the outputs that must be connected to the VCR inputs. The component jacks will not work with a VCR.

That has to be the culprit.

Which is why, in my step by step, I had him confirm color matched outputs and inputs.


phox

[chuck.lewis]

Hello friends--tubsone excepted,

I just finished watching Annika, Pat, Michelle and the others in the
women's U. S. Open. I'm 78 and a duffer, but still enjoy watching cute 16 year-old girls and good golf play.

I truly appreciate the suggestions you all have made and have followed them. I am convinced that all my connections and mode settings are correct. Have tried all you suggested, and a few more schemes, with no success. Even tried using a third VCR--an 8 year old Mitsubishi with clearly marked L1 and L2 output jacks. Tried all configurations. Save To VCR simply doesn't work. Defective DVR? It didn't work from the beginning. The DirecTv installer couldn't make it work and didn't apologize for it, nor did he seem to care very much.

It appears that I am stuck with a unit that doesn't meet DirecTv's claim. Thanks again for your time and interest.

Chuck

[wscannell]

Lets not worry about "Save to VCR" to start. Verify whether you can get You Tivo Central or Directv Central menu on your TV screen when the TV is set to play tapes. If this does not work, the tapes will not record from the TiVo. This would result from:

1) TiVo output (A/V jacks) not connected to VCR Input jacks. These are the Yellow/Red/White jacks.
2) VCR not set to the proper input (use the input button to switch as mentioned earlier). You need to be set to line in, Aux, or possibly video 1 or 2, depending on your VCR.

[phox_mulder]

Personally, I never use "Save to VCR".

I just load up a tape, (or DVD since I got the DVD recorder)
TiVo to the now playing screen with the info about the show,
start the tape(DVD) recording, get about 15-20 seconds of the info screen,
(so I know what it is on that tape, when it was recorded, how long it is, title of show, etc)
then hit play on the TiVo.

Come back in a hour and if the shows over, stop the tape(DVD).

Just had a thought, are you, Chuck, pushing record on the VCR, or are you expecting the TiVo to start the tape recording for you?


phox

[chuck.lewis]

Lets not worry about "Save to VCR" to start. Verify whether you can get You Tivo Central or Directv Central menu on your TV screen when the TV is set to play tapes. If this does not work, the tapes will not record from the TiVo. This would result from:

1) TiVo output (A/V jacks) not connected to VCR Input jacks. These are the Yellow/Red/White jacks.
2) VCR not set to the proper input (use the input button to switch as mentioned earlier). You need to be set to line in, Aux, or possibly video 1 or 2, depending on your VCR.
I can watch Directv (live programs) only on the tv's PC setting and can watch tapes only on tv's AV setting. I have the A/V cables connected from Directv Out to VCR In. The VCR input is set correctly. I have said this repeatedly to all who have been trying to help me.

[chuck.lewis]

Personally, I never use "Save to VCR".

I just load up a tape, (or DVD since I got the DVD recorder)
TiVo to the now playing screen with the info about the show,
start the tape(DVD) recording, get about 15-20 seconds of the info screen,
(so I know what it is on that tape, when it was recorded, how long it is, title of show, etc)
then hit play on the TiVo.

Come back in a hour and if the shows over, stop the tape(DVD).

Just had a thought, are you, Chuck, pushing record on the VCR, or are you expecting the TiVo to start the tape recording for you?


phox
I tried as you suggested--pressed Record on the VCR, then Play on the DVR. When the program was over, I played back the tape on the VCR and got a blue screen with no audio. This is the result I get no matter how I try to record a video tape from the DVR--and yes, my connections are correct, as is my VCR input.
Chuck

[wscannell]

I can watch Directv (live programs) only on the tv's PC setting and can watch tapes only on tv's AV setting. I have the A/V cables connected from Directv Out to VCR In. The VCR input is set correctly. I have said this repeatedly to all who have been trying to help me.


Most VCRs work as a pass-through device when set to line input. This means that the signal for the source (the TiVo) passes into the VCR input and then out its outputs to the TV. With the VCR on, the TV in its AV setting, and the VCR set to the line input, you should be able to see anything on the TiVo on the TV.

If you have done this and you see a blue screen on the TV, try putting a recorded tape in the VCR and press play. Wait for the tape to show on the TV. Then press Stop. On some VCRs, this is necessary to make them pass through the line inputs.

If you still do not have anything from the TiVo on the screen, tapes will not record. Something is wrong and we are trying to determine what exactly is wrong.

On the back of your TiVo, please tell us:

What is the connection labelled that is connected to your TV?

What is the connection labelled that is connected to your VCR?

[phox_mulder]

I just went back and started the thread from the beginning again, and noticed this comment in the very first post:
My receiver is a 12 to 15 year old Technics SA GX330. It doesen't have a digital audio in jack. I use Composite A/V cables.

The HR10-250 only has one set of composite a/v outs, if you have these going to the Technics receiver, then you can't possibly have them going to the VCR.

Now the questions has to be asked again, exactly what output of the TiVo do you have going to the VCR?
Here is the picture of the back of the HR10-250 again, only one set of Composite RCA video/audio outputs.
http://www.solidsignal.com/images/products/HD-DVR250_det_zoomC.gif

Must remember, we are just trying to help, and are as frustrated as you about this.


phox

[gastrof]

Lets not worry about "Save to VCR" to start. Verify whether you can get You Tivo Central or Directv Central menu on your TV screen when the TV is set to play tapes...

TV's don't play tapes, and this type of wording can cause confusion.

It'd be best to say "when the TV is set to receive a signal from the VCR".

This isn't being picky. It's being accurate and helps people understand how their equipment works.

I've had experiences where people have insisted to me their VCR recorded off the TV. Took me nearly an hour in one case to explain to them why that wasn't true.

When people understand how their stuff works, they have a better chance of having their connections set up correctly and making things work right.

[chuck.lewis]

Most VCRs work as a pass-through device when set to line input. This means that the signal for the source (the TiVo) passes into the VCR input and then out its outputs to the TV. With the VCR on, the TV in its AV setting, and the VCR set to the line input, you should be able to see anything on the TiVo on the TV.

If you have done this and you see a blue screen on the TV, try putting a recorded tape in the VCR and press play. Wait for the tape to show on the TV. Then press Stop. On some VCRs, this is necessary to make them pass through the line inputs.

If you still do not have anything from the TiVo on the screen, tapes will not record. Something is wrong and we are trying to determine what exactly is wrong.

On the back of your TiVo, please tell us:

What is the connection labelled that is connected to your TV?

What is the connection labelled that is connected to your VCR?
Re pass-through device; This was my experience when I was on cable--not now on DirecTv.

I put a recorded tape in, played it briefly, then pressed stop; Still no live picture--only blue screen.

On the back of the DVR, the connection to the TV is something called HDMI-to-DVI Cable.

The connections to the VCR are from the A/V Out. I use a splitter here--L & R audio and video to the VCR and L & R audio to my receiver.

Could the problem be the HDMI-to-DVI cable to TV? This cable was furnished with the DVR and connected by the installer. Another connection option shown in the User's Guide uses Component Video cables, which I don't have.

What is your reaction to this--as connected and an alternate configuration?

[chuck.lewis]

TV's don't play tapes, and this type of wording can cause confusion.

It'd be best to say "when the TV is set to receive a signal from the VCR".

This isn't being picky. It's being accurate and helps people understand how their equipment works.

I've had experiences where people have insisted to me their VCR recorded off the TV. Took me nearly an hour in one case to explain to them why that wasn't true.

When people understand how their stuff works, they have a better chance of having their connections set up correctly and making things work right.
gastrof; I take your point, but I understood what scannell meant.

[chuck.lewis]

I just went back and started the thread from the beginning again, and noticed this comment in the very first post:


The HR10-250 only has one set of composite a/v outs, if you have these going to the Technics receiver, then you can't possibly have them going to the VCR.

Now the questions has to be asked again, exactly what output of the TiVo do you have going to the VCR?
Here is the picture of the back of the HR10-250 again, only one set of Composite RCA video/audio outputs.
http://www.solidsignal.com/images/products/HD-DVR250_det_zoomC.gif

Must remember, we are just trying to help, and are as frustrated as you about this.


phox
From the DVR A/V outputs I use a splitter. From the splitter, audio and video to the VCR and audio to the receiver. And I appreciate immensely that you are trying to help. Using the splitter is not a bad idea, is it? I have used splitters in this manner before.

[chuck.lewis]

I just went back and started the thread from the beginning again, and noticed this comment in the very first post:


The HR10-250 only has one set of composite a/v outs, if you have these going to the Technics receiver, then you can't possibly have them going to the VCR.

Now the questions has to be asked again, exactly what output of the TiVo do you have going to the VCR?
Here is the picture of the back of the HR10-250 again, only one set of Composite RCA video/audio outputs.
http://www.solidsignal.com/images/products/HD-DVR250_det_zoomC.gif

Must remember, we are just trying to help, and are as frustrated as you about this.


phox
I am curious as to how you were able to insert the photo in your message. When I looked at FAQ, it mentioned using "browse" to insert an attachment in new posts. Your photo was not in a new post. Copy and Paste? I am pretty new at using forums such as this and, in general, not computer-sophisticated.

[phox_mulder]

Using the splitter is not a bad idea, is it? I have used splitters in this manner before.

I don't think that would have any bearing on it, it should work.


phox

[phox_mulder]

I am curious as to how you were able to insert the photo in your message. When I looked at FAQ, it mentioned using "browse" to insert an attachment in new posts. Your photo was not in a new post. Copy and Paste? I am pretty new at using forums such as this and, in general, not computer-sophisticated.

I found the picture on another internet site, then "right clicked" on it, then clicked on "properties".
I then copy/pasted that address (from the http to the end of the adress),
then added the [img ] tags, or you could click on the little picture of a mountain, up under "size" above this text box, and paste it into the window that pops up.


phox

[chuck.lewis]

I found the picture on another internet site, then "right clicked" on it, then clicked on "properties".
I then copy/pasted that address (from the http to the end of the adress),
then added the [img ] tags, or you could click on the little picture of a mountain, up under "size" above this text box, and paste it into the window that pops up.


phox
Thanks. That satisfies my curiosity.

[wscannell]

The splitter should be fine. However, in order to start eliminating possibilities, you should test without the splitter installed. Take the video and audio cables that go to the VCR inputs and connect them directly to the A/V outputs of the TiVo. Set your TV to monitor the VCR. Set the VCR to the line input and verify whether or not you have a picture from the TiVo. If you see the TiVo picture, the splitter may not be functioning properly (at least the video section). If you still do not get a picture, then we must look elsewhere.

The audio section seems to be OK at least on the side connected to your receiver. If the video section of the splitter does not seem to work, you could leave the video input to the splitter disconnected and connect the video cable going to the VCR directly to the TiVo.

I believe that the TiVo does not output to the component video when the HDMI connector is used. Since you are not using component, this should not affect your setup. I don't know where to go next at this point, so try removing the splitter and see what happens. I will think a little more on this.

[wscannell]

One thing to try although it is not clear from the manual: Disconnect the HDMI cable from the back of the TiVo and see if that allows you to view the TiVo screens through the VCR. The component outputs are definitely disabled when the HDMI cable is used, but you are not using them. The other video output might be disabled.

[chuck.lewis]

The splitter should be fine. However, in order to start eliminating possibilities, you should test without the splitter installed. Take the video and audio cables that go to the VCR inputs and connect them directly to the A/V outputs of the TiVo. Set your TV to monitor the VCR. Set the VCR to the line input and verify whether or not you have a picture from the TiVo. If you see the TiVo picture, the splitter may not be functioning properly (at least the video section). If you still do not get a picture, then we must look elsewhere.

The audio section seems to be OK at least on the side connected to your receiver. If the video section of the splitter does not seem to work, you could leave the video input to the splitter disconnected and connect the video cable going to the VCR directly to the TiVo.

I believe that the TiVo does not output to the component video when the HDMI connector is used. Since you are not using component, this should not affect your setup. I don't know where to go next at this point, so try removing the splitter and see what happens. I will think a little more on this.
wscannell, and all you others who generously gave me your time and effort---WE HAVE LIFT-OFF! I connected the A/V outputs from the DVR directly to the VCR (I feel almost certain that the installer and/or I had tried this in the earliest stages??) and:
1. With VCR on and set to L1 input, could view live programs in TV's AV setting (through the VCR) and on PC setting (live program) and hear the sound only through the TV's speakers--The receiver now being out of the loop. Could hear no sound on PC setting.
2. Can record from current live programs and from Save to VCR. I can watch what is being recorded, both on AV and PC settings. The tape replays as it should, with audio from the TV speakers.
3. The bummer is that I get no audio on live programs except when the VCR is on.
4. I then tried this: Connected left audio out from DVR to receiver and to VCR through a splitter and connected video out from DVR through a splitter to VCR. Now I can get mono audio through the receiver while watching live programs. I need a third splitter to get right audio. There may be a simpler solution, but this works.

I have jumped through so many loops, with different connection schemes that, now, I am uncertain as to what I started with, using the splitters. I believe I described it in an earlier post, but I am so happy with what I now have that I don't want to review it. When you reach my age, you too, may have trouble remembering what you had for breakfast this morning

And, wscannell, I disconnected the HDMI cable from the DVR and still got video--plugged it back in, of course.

Thank you all sooo much for your efforts on my behalf.

Chuck

[wscannell]

Glad you got it to work. Glad to be able to help.

[alansplace]

WE HAVE LIFT-OFF!

Thank you all sooo much for your efforts on my behalf.

Chuckgreat! you're welcome.
--
Alan :D

[murgatroyd]

Chuck,

Everyone has trouble remembering stuff sometimes, no matter what age. That's why I think it's a smart idea, once you have everything working the way you want it, to write down the connections and store the map with your manuals so you don't have to worry about figuring it all out again.

Glad to be of help.

Jan

[tubsone]

Hello friends--tubsone excepted,

I just finished watching Annika, Pat, Michelle and the others in the
women's U. S. Open. I'm 78 and a duffer, but still enjoy watching cute 16 year-old girls and good golf play.

I truly appreciate the suggestions you all have made and have followed them. I am convinced that all my connections and mode settings are correct. Have tried all you suggested, and a few more schemes, with no success. Even tried using a third VCR--an 8 year old Mitsubishi with clearly marked L1 and L2 output jacks. Tried all configurations. Save To VCR simply doesn't work. Defective DVR? It didn't work from the beginning. The DirecTv installer couldn't make it work and didn't apologize for it, nor did he seem to care very much.

It appears that I am stuck with a unit that doesn't meet DirecTv's claim. Thanks again for your time and interest.

Chuck

Hey Chuck,

I was just playin around! Dont start drawing lines in the sand! :D I'am glad you got your set-up working.

[LostInDuh]

I'm kinda having the same problem.. I can't get my Save to VCR function to work either.

I read through this thread and the best I can figure out is that my stuff isn't hooked up right, but I don't know how to fix it.

Here's how I have it hooked up right now (sorry to use your picture, alansplace, but I honestly can't draw to save the life of me). Please tell me what I need to do to hook it up right.

[wscannell]

On the back of the TiVo there are RCA jacks labelled Output. They are Yellow, red and white. Connect these three jacks to the same colored jack labelled Input on your VCR. Then Save to VCR will work. Set the VCR to L1 or Aux, depending on the model of the VCR to record the show.

You will also need to connect the outputs of the VCR (use the yellow,red, and white outputs to the input of your TV to view tapes. The TV should be set to Video input.

If you have the outputs connected to your TV, you should be able to set the TV to Video and watch a tape. If that works, leave the TV set that way. Then set the VCR to L1 or Aux input rather than to a channel number. You then should see the output from your TiVo on the TV. If this is the case, you should be able to record using save to VCR.

[LostInDuh]

ok... found the rca jacks on the back of the tivo but which stripe do I plug to (there are 2 here)?

I also looked for inputs to my tv... I can't find any (the ones to the tv also supposed to be red, yellow and white, yes?). All I can find is a coax outlet that runs to the tv and that's all.

this is the back of the tivo I have, in case that helps any (sorry the picture isn't that great)....

[phox_mulder]

That looks like a DirecTiVo, could be an R10?

I have my TV hooked to the left-most set, the ones labeled 1, as I'm using S-Video for the TV.

I have my VCR/DVD Recorder hooked to the right most set, the ones labeled 2.

They are both outputs and both output at the same time, so it doesn't really matter which ones you use.

How old is your TV, I'm guessing pretty old if it only has an antenna input.


phox

[LostInDuh]

Seems to me it is an R10 or at least that was the number that I found on the back and the picture is exact to the model I have.

I'm not sure how old my tv is, but I do know the remote works on it (which probably means nothing about nothing :D ). I tried looking for the S-video outlet on my tv, too but I can't find such a thing either. Maybe my tele is a bit too old after all? :(

[densj]

Hi-I have had the same problem, but have recently figured it out.

#1. set your HD-250 Tivo to 480i mode so that output of the tivo signal and the input of the VCR are the same format. ..the big problem I had was outputing an HD signal (1080i) to the VCR that was only capable of receiving a 480i signal
#2. Depending on your set-up, you use the input select on your VCR to connect to the Tivo unit...on my VCR this was L1
#3. Make sure to put the VCR in the VTR (VCR) mode and not TV mode

Record or view...works fine.

[LostInDuh]

#1. I have an HD-250 tivo? I thought I had an R10 (or would that be the same thing by another name?). Where also would I find how to set to 480i mode. I've looked round the best I can and can't seem to find this setting.

#2. Would this input select be the red, yellow and white jacks in the back or something else?

#3. This seems to be the only thing I've done rightly but I still feel something is done wrong else I'd be able to see tapes I've recorded in past.


Forgive please, but I'm so dense with this stuff - except for that sheer moment of brilliancy when I found what model I've got but the rest... well look at my username and that should tell you muchly about my tech levels. :D

Just please don't give up on me. I'm really trying hard to muddle through this.

[JimSpence]

If you don't have the HDTiVo (it seems you don't) then ignore the #1 reply.

Connect the second set of TiVo outputs to the VCR inputs (red/white/yellow). The VCR outputs go to the TV.
Then to record to the VCR, select the appropriate input on the VCR (L1 or Aux or whatever it's called). There should be a diagram on how to connect the VCR in the manual. But, that only helps if you have it.

[LostInDuh]

*feels a bit of daylight breaking through* so, the outputs of the VCR have to go to the TV via the RCA jacks and not via the coax, right? Am I also right for understanding that you can't hook in or out to the VCR via the coax cables at all?

[momskates]

Mr. Chuck: I've been reading all your replys to others needing help, so I thought you'd be the one to have a solution to our problem. A lady friend of mine has Tivo & she recorded a show on it that we now want to make a copy of to her vcr so it can be shown at one of our meetings. HOW do we get it to record onto her VCR from her Tivo?

This is a 'saved' show already ON her Tivo. It can't be a 'copy rights' problem because I've already recorded on my dvd recorder,but dummy me, I set the wrong time & didn't get all of it. We want the entire program, which is already saved on her Tivo. We just don't know HOW to get it to record to her vcr. Got an answer for this one?

I ran connections from the 'out' on her tivo to the 'in' on her vcr,but nothing shows up on the tape. We can see it playing on the tv, but it's just not transferring. What are we doing wrong? :mad:

We'd appreciate any help you can give us. Thanks, Grandma D








Thanks Jan, but the installer told me that I should have no trouble saving to my vcr. That I just wouldn't get it in HD. Gastrof confirms this, and yes Gastrof, I have the A/V outputs on the DVR connected to the vcr A/V inputs.

[/COLOR]There may be some setting on my tv that I need to change, as suggested by Alan. If this is so, I don't understand why. I never had trouble recording from cable. No special setting on the tv was necessary.

By the way, when I signed up, I was advised that I must choose a username that included my real first name. Are your first names Murgatroyd (quaint) and Gastrof (quainter)? Thank you both for your comments. Now---how about a solution. Surely I'm not the only one who has this problem. Oh, and DirecTv Customer Service--Useless; For this problem at least.
Chuck

[mrdbdigital]

The problem the OP was having was because he was splitting the video output of the A/V jacks on the Tivo. You cannot split baseband video (yellow jacks) without a powered amplified splitter. If you use a passive splitter, such as a "Y" RCA cord, you will get only 1/2 the correct video level, which in this case was enough to keep the VCR from accepting the signal to record.

Remember, you can split modulated RF with splitters, but not baseband video, which is what comes out of the yellow video jacks on consumer gear. It may or may not work, but even if you do get a picture, the levels will not be correct and you will have a sub-standard picture.