HDTV Forum

I have a Philips 47" LCD. With a Sony DVD Recorder RDR-HX9 10. I have just had installed a SkyHD box. Very happy with HD and Freeview reception. However when recording Tv programmes using the DVD recorder whether from Sky or Freeview the quality of picture recorded is very poor. I have double checked connections and all seem correct. Any advice will be appreciated.

Most DVD Recorders will only record and playback in SD, not HD, regardless of the source. How is the DVD recorder connected to your Sky receiver and TV?

Hi topper2255 -

We "see" that you're brand-new member - welcome !

What prevented the selection of that company's HD dual tuner, hard drive HD Receiver unit ?

Unless a TIVO-HD or their very costly Ser 3, you'll Not record anything on disc now suitable for watching!

As akirby has mentioned - all will be reduced to essentially what your CRT ( analog ) used to display.
Is that why one buys a new HDTV for ? Private "HD" recording onto discs is not going to be successful !

Take a few minutes & read here about " Digital Rights Management - DMR " or the many posts about Copyright Protection -- it's all a part of the HDTV enforcement originally started back in '98 but only now being more strictly enforced. Even Wikikpedia has an interesting history of "The Digital Millennium Copyright Act-1998."

Do enjoy this site !

Not particularly interested in recorded HD programmes in HD, just want the capablility back of recording programmes on my DVD recorder to watch at a later date.
DVD recorder is connected by scart leads to SkyHD box and TV. Also connected by AE leads.

Hi - topper2255 -

"SCART" cables were older types in Europe - although 21 pin, these are still considered to be "analog-based !" You'll need a RCA type (3) leads-in-one Video -B,R,G - set plus the two for (L) & (R) audio.

Like these plus the two for audio or the same thing as a (5) in (1)...
http://www.mycablemart.com/store/cart.p ... tail&p=171

Obviously, HDMI will work also - IF - both that Receiver as well as the DVR have active ports.


BUT -it is STILL going to be blocked or prevented whenever the " embedded bits " or flags contain the encription " DO NOT COPY " irrespective of either digital definition. Its "digital Vs analog" that's making these distinctions..."analog" = always whereas "Digital" -either SD or HD - means ... perhaps?

That's why there are those local cable or satellite dual tuner, hard drive Recorder/Receivers. These are not "disc-based" --- only considered a "Time-Shift" instead of an attempt to make an illegal hard copy or so those embedded flags assume.

Both cable & satellite have agreed by contract to pay the royalties ! Hence, these will succeed 100 % of the time & w/ perfect quality, too - SD or HD .

Private disc Digital recording is "going, going, gone."

Topper,

As pointed out you can't record HD on that without turning into SD. It appears you are happy with SD recording but just in case check your record settings and make sure you have them set for best quality, minimum hours versus worst quality, maximum hours.

I not fussed about recording in HD. I just want to record the odd Tv programme in a reasonable quality on my DVD recorder. At the moment recordings are blurred and hazy. Does this mean i need to bin my 2 year old Sony DVD recorder!!!! Recording in SD would be acceptable.

Hi topper2255 -

In looking briefly at the HD Box features, I didn't read about any "outputs" that were
the ones for analog signals only -- no doubt that's what that 21 pin Cable is all about. I'm not familiar
enough with your HD Box to say until I down load it's full manual, which I'll do directly.

Obviously, it did properly with the previous arrangement / CRT TV for those (2) years ? Was it with that same 21 pin Cable input probably?

On most of our various Motorola, Scientific Atlanta etc., HD Cable Boxes, the "RF" out is where we may pickup analog only to feed into our older VCRs, etc.. Does the Sony happen to have one ?

Will let you know soon what I "see."

eli

Me again ! -

Two roadblocks -

Sony doesn't "list" that model # RDR-HX9 10 anymore for manual down loads - is that the correct #?

Too many " SKY HD " boxes - could you please list the model number of it too ?
Thanks.

eli

topper2255 -

Am I on the wrong one or does your specific SKYHD actually already record , use a 160 GB hard drive, etc.??

IF ( yes) - why are you still bothering w/ Sony unit ? As the world "switches" over from CRTs / VCRs / etc - our landfills will be stuffed with leftovers of all sorts !

Chances are those burned discs will NOT be compatible with or play back on any other unit except the same one .

eli