can this record over the air hdtv? I have an hdtv and antenna only (no cable) can get channels fine since the transition (and before). However, my vcr is analog and therefore useless, I do not want to pay a monthy fee to TIVO or cable. Will this record and playback over the air channels with dashes, like 7-1, 7-2? can this record over the air hdtv? I have an hdtv and antenna only (no cable) can get channels fine since the transition (and before). However, my vcr is analog and therefore useless, I do not want... » Read More can this record over the air hdtv? I have an hdtv and antenna only (no cable) can get channels fine since the transition (and before). However, my vcr is analog and therefore useless, I do not want to pay a monthy fee to TIVO or cable. Will this record and playback over the air channels with dashes, like 7-1, 7-2? « Show Less
2084428
I just bought this machine and am not sure how to record on VHS. The manual goes from hooking it up to programming the show. I need the inbetween. What happened to channel 3? So far I had to go in the menu on the TV and change it (source?) to VCR, then turn on VCR, plug in the show, then I had to go back in the menu and change the mode from VCR to TV. What a hassle. Is this right? Yesterday I talked to Toshiba and NOW they said taping OTA on VHS might not work. Can someone help me that actually has performed this task? I have Samsung HDTV, rooftop antenna, and no cable.
2084429
I believe that the statement above is incorrect .This device should record HDTV broadcast since it contains an ATSC tuner.However it will not play the broadcast back as HD since the media to which it writes (regular DVD & VHS tape) do not support playback in HD. Ergo you lose some definition in playback.
2084430
ok, question that will reveal how little i know about this. you mentioned recording to DVD. Can a DVD recorder record over the air broadcasts? can you set it to record at certain times, the way you would a VCR? And can you re-record over the dvds or do you have to keep buying them? (the advantage of vhs.)thanks!
2084431
I've owned the 660 for over a year now, and I absolutely love it. It will record digital tv channels to either the DVD or the VCR. If you record to the vcr, it records in standard definition. The unit will also up convert anything recorded on the dvd to up to 1080p. To watch another show at the same time, you can split the incoming single and send one to the dvd/vcr and one to the tv. The manual is a little intimidating, but the channel programming and recorder programming, I found to be very intuitive.
2084432
Well, I just ordered a coaxil cable two-way splitter (listen to the techie here, lol!) The guy at Best Buy told me to somehow get the antenna hooked into the recorder/player AND the tv. He said we didn't need that channel 3. Wish me luck. I just may have something. I'll let you know! - Linda
2084433
I have a Samsung HDTV and the Best Buy guy said I could tape ota to vhs/dvd (tv mode no channel 3) if i connect the antenna through coaxil cable to the player and tv. only two ends to the cable. any adaptors or splitters or anything to help accomplish this conundrum?
2084434
YES this VCR/DVD Recorder has a ATSC tuner to pick up the digital channels (7-1, 7-2) ETC.
2084435
Hi LindaAfter suffering for 6 months I have given up. Nothing I have done works. I do have the vcr/dvd hooked up so I can view tapes/dvds; however no recording. And what is real weird; on occasion, my tape recording blacks out and says no signal. If this is just a tape, why is that? The TV does not black out. UGH
2084436
DVD recorders can record off the air programs only if they have a "tuner". The Toshiba DVR670 does have one, but the Toshiba DVR620, for example, does not. A recorder with a tuner can be programmed just like VCR's. DVD discs come in several "flavors" the most common being DVD+R, DVD-R, DVD+RW, DVD-RW. All of these are compatible with most recorders, the +RW and -RW ones can be "erased" and rewritten, while the +R and -R cannot.
2081464
That's how I do it. I don't have a cable box, either. My cable runs into the recorder and from there to the TV. I switch the channels on my TV with the recorder. My TV is always on channel 3. But I find I record lots of stuff I really don't want. I use Verbatim DVD+RW discs. They're easily erased but you only get the time on the disc back if it's the last thing on the disc. If you start erasing from the end of the disc in, you get back whatever time you've erased, as long as it's from the end in.
318095
I dont' know if you have received an answer...IF you use a cable box....run cable from box thru VCR then to TV. then you can record and watch at the same time. IF you have a new TV.....it is getting harder and harder to record shows...I can only record from my cable box OR an older analog TV. It is only a matter of time before we wont' be able to record a TV show...big box stores no longer carry DVD recorders....I suspect mixing the signal to prevent recording is in our future. Good luck
1209577
If you can't get any HD programming, then I think you wouldn't buy an HD tivo. You can get a dual tuner tivo that isn't HD for a lot cheaper. The only reason to get the HD tivo is if you have both an HD television set and can get HD programming. Recording through a regular tivo wouldn't let you make use of your HDTV capability. Even the series 2 are still GREAT devices. I have bought three series 2 for myself and as gifts over the past several years and everyone I know who has one loves it.
1756126
Yes, you can record over-the-air digital channels. The Tivo forums website has a lot of information about using Tivo DVRs. Enjoy
1965842
Yes it can record from an OTA antenna. And you can record in real time, allowing stop and rewind of a show you are watching through the device (cable or OTA). It can record in real time a show you are watching through one tuner and at the same time it can record a scheduled-to-be-recorded show through the second, timer-tuner (there are two tuners in the device). Will let you watch a previously recorded show while recording a new one. The limit is that it cannot record two shows at once using scheduler (it only has one tuner for pre-selected recording). On standard def should hold 125 hours. I like it. Remote is a boat. Yes it can record from an OTA antenna. And you can record in real time, allowing stop and rewind of a show you are watching through the device (cable or OTA). It can record in real time a show you are watching through one tuner and at the same time it can record a scheduled-to-be-recorded show through the second, timer-tuner (there are two tuners in the device). Will let you watch a previously recorded show while recording a new one. The limit is that it cannot record two shows at once using scheduler (it only has one tuner for pre-selected recording). On standard def should hold 125 hours.... » Read More Yes it can record from an OTA antenna. And you can record in real time, allowing stop and rewind of a show you are watching through the device (cable or OTA). It can record in real time a show you are watching through one tuner and at the same time it can record a scheduled-to-be-recorded show through the second, timer-tuner (there are two tuners in the device). Will let you watch a previously recorded show while recording a new one. The limit is that it cannot record two shows at once using scheduler (it only has one tuner for pre-selected recording). On standard def should hold 125 hours. I like it. Remote is a boat. « Show Less
1594670
The Channel Master DVR+ is designed for use as an OTA (over the air) antenna based DVR. It is an excellent product, it's only limitation is it receives and records channels that can be received with an antenna. The channels in question are subscription cable channels and as such, are not received by a normal TV antenna set up. You will be amazed at what you can get with a quality antenna. We are well pleased with the over 55 channels we receive, many in HD. No compressed signals or sound, EXCELLENT PICTURE. This DVR records HD and SD TV, and also has the ability to pause, rewind, and fast forward TV. I have a 1TB Seagate USB drive plugged into it, which provides over 100 hours of HD recording capability. Now the best part, No monthly rental fees !!!!!!!!!!! Hope this helps.
853324
I previously owned a Toshiba DVR that would record,to the hard drive,all cables channels.That was in the analog days.The previously mentioned DVD/VCR recorder will not record anything to DVD or video tape that is on certain cable channels (Discovery,for example).It contains a QAM digital tuner. Are you saying that the Magnovox MDR515H will not record the copyguarded channels,even to it's hard drive ? I do not intend to attempt to make DVD copies,just time shift programming.I know,of course,the DVRs provided by the cable company will do this with all channels provided.
1451821
Over the air digital TV only or online streaming media like YouTube. You can record while you watch anything else...... Where would you find analog TV broadcast signals these days anyways? ;-)
1263688
I have not recorded. I hooked up my unit to a separate port. To record, you would need to hook your incoming cable to the VCR. Then hook the VCR to your T.V. The signal would have to feed through the VCR in order to record. I have been told that this can lessen your signal reception, but do not know if this is true. Good luck.
488601
If you have analog cable, you will still receive analog signals after the conversion to digital broadcasting; the cable company will do the conversion. The Tivo box will work just fine. You will not be able to view HD programs without a HD cable box and a HD monitor.
279833
I have the same and it works great and hooks up to the antenna .it finds all your channels and will record them.love it .you can record to a RW DVD, plan DVD disk or to the hard drive it has .I even have a old analog TV and it replaces the digital converter box I have or you can use both,or either
932271
This recorder DOES NOT HAVE A TUNER making it more complicated to record. I was able to record direct from Over the Air with a TV with a digital tuner! If you do not have digital in included in your set, you would need a digital converter box that has both IN and OUT video/audio inouts. This recorder DOES have an HDMI input. This recorder DOES alow you to schedule recording, but you MUST know the times and CHANGE THE INPUT so the signal will go to the recorder. A bit complicated. It really is alot like when we recorded to our VCR's. BTW, be sure to get DVD+R or DVD-R to record. MOST cable stations are not recordable due to copyright protection. Good luck! This recorder DOES NOT HAVE A TUNER making it more complicated to record. I was able to record direct from Over the Air with a TV with a digital tuner! If you do not have digital in included in your set, you would need a digital converter box that has both IN and OUT video/audio inouts. This recorder DOES have an HDMI input. This recorder DOES alow you to schedule recording, but you MUST know the times and CHANGE THE INPUT so the signal will go to the recorder. A bit complicated. It really is alot like when we recorded to our VCR's. BTW, be sure to get DVD+R or DVD-R to record. MOST cable... » Read More This recorder DOES NOT HAVE A TUNER making it more complicated to record. I was able to record direct from Over the Air with a TV with a digital tuner! If you do not have digital in included in your set, you would need a digital converter box that has both IN and OUT video/audio inouts. This recorder DOES have an HDMI input. This recorder DOES alow you to schedule recording, but you MUST know the times and CHANGE THE INPUT so the signal will go to the recorder. A bit complicated. It really is alot like when we recorded to our VCR's. BTW, be sure to get DVD+R or DVD-R to record. MOST cable stations are not recordable due to copyright protection. Good luck! « Show Less
2250234
Hello, I have the same set up as you. With this box I can only record the local stations. If there is a show that cable offers on their basic plan I can not record it unless it is in the area. I was hoping that this unit would pick up the unscrambled channels which are about 75 stations, from the cable line, but it does not do that for me.
2136589
From the other answers, my understanding is that this does NOT allow the use of a program guide (like many others) to record things in the next couple weeks or as a series. I rarely want to set a recording within 6 hours of the actual time. It sounds like most of my recordings would need to be set by time slot and channel like an old VCR. Is this right?
1285075
I'm not sure how that works to be honest. I do know that you need to buy a tuner to record shows from your tv. I'd assume you need the same thing to record from your DVR.
908850
You can hook it up and get a nice picture if the back of the tv has a coaxial input. This vcr was made before the advent of HD tvs. And, although it has all of the required in and out puts on the back, the picture that you record will not be very clear. I have it hooked up from the cable box (coaxial cable used) to the vcr input. Output is via coaxial cable to the HD TV's coaxial input. No cords were included.