I have a dvd recorder and am wondering if any of the boxes allow or refuse the use of it? I read somewhere with the 7000 series boxes it won't allow recording. Does the Cisco box have this problem? I don't have a DVR and really don't want one.. I just want to use the equipment I have.
All of the video devices (such as STB's) that I am aware of are video output only, meaning that they aren't smart enough to know what they are connected to (TV, DVD recorder, computer, etc.). While I don't know for sure, it would be my understanding that it is more likely to be an issue if your DVD recorder recognizes protected content and prevents a clear recording from taking place than anything to do with which box you have it connected to. It may also have something to do with how you connect it (coax,composite,S-Video,component,HDMI). If one way doesn't work, try another.
Also recognize that unless your DVD recorder has a program guide and is connected up to a network to receive the information, you will have to program it's recordings manually, like a VCR. The DVR may cost you more in the long run, but being able to click it and forget it is a huge improvement.
Also, realize that in order to record any content through an STB, the box must be left on during the time of the recording. It isn't necessary to have the TV on, but you must have the STB on and tuned to the channel that you want to record. Setting reminders for the programs on the STB can wake it up from standby, but won't tune the to the desired channel automatically.
Hope this helps.
@avemaria92 wrote:I have a dvd recorder and am wondering if any of the boxes allow or refuse the use of it? I read somewhere with the 7000 series boxes it won't allow recording. Does the Cisco box have this problem? I don't have a DVR and really don't want one.. I just want to use the equipment I have.
You can record using the composite or component video outputs of the STB as no copy protection is sent via those outputs. However, there are very few (if any current) DVD recorders that have component input. Only HDMI enforces true copy protection. And note that the composite output will be an SD signal, which is likely what your DVD recorder is to begin with.
So to use your existing DVD recorder, use the STB composite and audio outputs. You should be able to record from the STB that way. But if you really want full DVR-like capability -- including HD recordings to use that flat panel TV you mentioned in another thread when you asked about HD versus SD -- you might want to just spring for the additional cost for a Verizon DVR STB. That way you'll get a seamless way to record programs. And if you ever want to transfer them to a DVD to retain them (in SD only remember) then you can use your existing DVD recorder in the way I described above.
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