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How to hook a DVR Cable box to a DVD Recorder?

How can I hook up a DVD recorder to my cable box if it doesn't have RCA hook ups?

  • I am wanting to purchase this dvd recorder: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sony-RDR-GX257-Recordable-DVD-Player-Refurbished/15032475 The price is great. I do not have or want a DVR, I want to be able to record tv programs to a disk to watch at a later date. My cable company - suddenlink - just came out with a new cable box that must be used to access the channels. I just have basic cable. The box does not have the rca hook ups though. I have them on my tv, but I have to change it to a certain channel if I want to hook it up through my tv, which will not work to record tv programs. Is there any kind of converter cable of some sort that I can buy? Any way for me to get this to work to record tv programs? Thanks!

  • Answer:

    Run the Coaxial from the Box to the DVD Recorder yet to connect to the DVD Recorder you need a 'Coaxial to RCA' converter then run it to your TV. Here is a sampling of whats out there. Using a Converter box is far easier there are other items yet this is the easiest way. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=coaxial+to+rca&x=0&y=0 Or you could use a Splitter

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It all boils down to what type of output your cable box does have. The DVD player has composite video/audio inputs. Composite video is simply the yellow (video) plus red and white audio connection. See this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Composite_video Most cable boxes have an assortment of AV outputs. However, if yours doesn't, what sort of output does it have? (which you fail to mention)

Stephen M

You don't record off TV you record off the cable box. From your description of what you have YOU HAVE A PROBLEM doing what you want to do. You go Cable from the wall to the Cable Box (Coax) Change the channels with the box Cable box output the to DVD recorders input. HERE IS YOUR PROBLEM. I looked at the specs on the DVD you want to buy. It only has composite (RCA inputs) it does NOT show a coax input or a component video /audio input. ??Are you sure that the cable box has NO RCA output jacks, it is odd that it does not. The DVD you want to buy has RCA outputs so that can hook to the TV set with RCA cable. The DVD will accept a RCA input. But NOT component video. Any converter you buy will be more expensive than the DVD recorder. with one exception an OLD VCR. It is the only cost effective thing I can think of for your setup, use it as a converter only. Here would be your setup in this case: Coax from wall to Cable box. change channels with the cable box. Coax out of the cable box to the antenna input of the VCR. Put the VCR on Channel 3 and leave it there. Take the RCA audio/video output of the VCR to the input of the DVD recorder. Set the DVD on the correct video setting, either front or rear composite video. Take the output of the DVD recorder to the video input of the TV set. when the DVD is not in use the channels will pass through. When you want to watch DVD's hit the play button on the DVD. Leave the TV on the video setting. I strongly recommend a DVR it is much better for what you want and easier to use than a DVD recorder. Your cable system if they require a box will probably give you a good deal on a DVR rental unit.

Jerry

Robert W

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