I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

You can use a converter. However, the converter will have to be manually set
to the desired channel.

William Sommerwerck wrote:
You can use a converter. However,
the converter will have to be manually set to the desired channel.

Roger Blake wrote:
Two converters - the Zinwell ZAT-970A and the Dish Network "DTVPal"
offer automatic timers for use with VCRs. Zinwell has 8 timers and
has basic front-panel controls. The DTVPal has 5 timers and the
remote must be used for all functions.
I use the Zinwell and it works quite well.

The DTVPal additionally
has a checkered history of bad firmware releases
and Dish being generally sleazy and unwilling to honor their warranty.
I don't know if that mess ever really got straightened out.

Good information to have on the record.

Roger Blake wrote:
On 2009-02-21, William Sommerwerck wrote:
You can use a converter. However, the converter will have to be manually set
to the desired channel.

Two converters - the Zinwell ZAT-970A and the Dish Network "DTVPal"
offer automatic timers for use with VCRs. Zinwell has 8 timers and
has basic front-panel controls. The DTVPal has 5 timers and the
remote must be used for all functions. I use the Zinwell and it
works quite well.


Hi, Roger;

With the coupons, the converter boxes aren't too bad costwise; but
apparently not all converters can be gotten that way. Do you know if
the Zinwell can be gotten with a coupon? Or to put it another way,
what kind of damage are we looking at without a coupon?

Ron

On 02/22/2009 01:42 AM, Ron sent:

Roger Blake wrote:
On 2009-02-21, William Sommerwerck wrote:
You can use a converter. However, the converter will have to be manually set
to the desired channel.
Two converters - the Zinwell ZAT-970A and the Dish Network "DTVPal"
offer automatic timers for use with VCRs. Zinwell has 8 timers and
has basic front-panel controls. The DTVPal has 5 timers and the
remote must be used for all functions. I use the Zinwell and it
works quite well.


Hi, Roger;

With the coupons, the converter boxes aren't too bad costwise; but
apparently not all converters can be gotten that way. Do you know if
the Zinwell can be gotten with a coupon? Or to put it another way,
what kind of damage are we looking at without a coupon?

Ron

$60 - $75. But, wouldn't that be best put towards a DVR purchase?

--
1PW @?6A62?FEH9E=6o2@=]4@ [r4o7t]

1PW wrote in message
...
On 02/22/2009 01:42 AM, Ron sent:

Roger Blake wrote:
On 2009-02-21, William Sommerwerck wrote:
You can use a converter. However, the converter will have to be
manually set
to the desired channel.
Two converters - the Zinwell ZAT-970A and the Dish Network "DTVPal"
offer automatic timers for use with VCRs. Zinwell has 8 timers and
has basic front-panel controls. The DTVPal has 5 timers and the
remote must be used for all functions. I use the Zinwell and it
works quite well.


Hi, Roger;

With the coupons, the converter boxes aren't too bad costwise; but
apparently not all converters can be gotten that way. Do you know if
the Zinwell can be gotten with a coupon? Or to put it another way,
what kind of damage are we looking at without a coupon?

Ron

$60 - $75. But, wouldn't that be best put towards a DVR purchase?

--
1PW @?6A62?FEH9E=6o2@=]4@ [r4o7t]

Assuming not main recording medium, just a reserve
or second recorder.
In the UK for less than 15 GBP (25 USD presumably)
freeview box ,Asda MDS V3 or similar, added to a spare
otherwise unpowered VCR. Or for recording
2 UHF digital channels concurrently when only one
possible on main recorder.
Can be totally disconnected from the mains and
retains channels, but added an earpiece to confirm
right sort of channel, requires R/C though
to change channels. Or audio compare to a working
TV on same channel.
One great plus for this cheapest of digi-boxes - so far
anyway, it is immune to having the EPG remotely
updated, outside your control, in the middle of
the night when you are recording a film.
With another crap taping next day 20 minutes
of blank recording while a load of graphics laden
ads are inefficiently downloaded because there is no one there
to manually disrupt the default of auto downlaod.
Asda one does not try downloading this crap at
switch on, locking you out for 20 minutes
unless you disable it.


--
Diverse Devices, Southampton, England
electronic hints and repair briefs , schematics/manuals list on
http://home.graffiti.net/diverse:graffiti.net/

With the coupons, the converter boxes aren't too bad costwise; but
apparently not all converters can be gotten that way. Do you know if
the Zinwell can be gotten with a coupon? Or to put it another way,
what kind of damage are we looking at without a coupon?

Ron

$60 - $75. But, wouldn't that be best put towards a DVR purchase?

Like someone else said here, I don't particularly care for DVRs
either. Maybe I'm just an old fart who doesn't like change-- and in
fact, I knew there was going to be nothing that I would like about the
21st century; pity that I was right about that. :-)

Ron

Ron wrote:

$60 - $75. But, wouldn't that be best put towards a DVR purchase?

Like someone else said here, I don't particularly care for DVRs
either. Maybe I'm just an old fart who doesn't like change-- and in
fact, I knew there was going to be nothing that I would like about the
21st century; pity that I was right about that. :-)

Nothing like having a DVR erase or "lose" a recording before you have a
chance to view it. Never happens with my VCRs.

On Feb 21, 9:41*pm, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron


Will have to pre-set a digital STB

or change to a PVR / DVD recorder with a digital tuner.

Getting very cheap these days.

Same thing, just a different storage method.

In article
,
Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

If you like the 'new digital pictures', you'd be best to get a recorder
which does them justice.

--
*I used up all my sick days so I called in dead

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 21 feb, 12:41, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

you can still use them with a digital set top box.
Also the changeover won't affect people with cable Tv.

On Feb 21, 3:41*am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days,
but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs
that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

So put a DTV tuner in your PC and have at it. The VCR hardly gets any
use but the HTPC (geek speak for Home Theatre PC) get used lots.
Recorded DTV show pictures - HD or SD - are exactly the same as 'live'
TV. Besides, where will you get tapes? They're going away fast.

G²

TV. Besides, where will you get tapes? They're going away fast.

A nasty rumor only. I can get tapes easily in 8 hour three packs and
single six hour tapes for $1.99 apiece at Walgreens as well as other
stores like Safeway and Target; there never seems to be any shortage.
I suppose that IF there does come a day that VHS tapes become as
extinct as the dinosaurs and the dodo bird, *then* I'll switch to
something else, but not until that day comes. :-)

Ron

In article , Ron wrote:

TV. Besides, where will you get tapes? They're going away fast.

A nasty rumor only. I can get tapes easily in 8 hour three packs and
single six hour tapes for $1.99 apiece at Walgreens as well as other
stores like Safeway and Target; there never seems to be any shortage.
I suppose that IF there does come a day that VHS tapes become as
extinct as the dinosaurs and the dodo bird, *then* I'll switch to
something else, but not until that day comes. :-)

I started recording movies on TV years ago and I don't think I ever
rewatched any. I think I have a copy of a half hour HBO cartoon special
my neighbor made in his basement. I do need to check that out. Just
thought of it.

greg

GregS wrote:
In article , Ron wrote:

TV. Besides, where will you get tapes? They're going away fast.

A nasty rumor only. I can get tapes easily in 8 hour three packs and
single six hour tapes for $1.99 apiece at Walgreens as well as other
stores like Safeway and Target; there never seems to be any shortage.
I suppose that IF there does come a day that VHS tapes become as
extinct as the dinosaurs and the dodo bird, *then* I'll switch to
something else, but not until that day comes. :-)

I started recording movies on TV years ago and I don't think I ever
rewatched any. I think I have a copy of a half hour HBO cartoon special
my neighbor made in his basement. I do need to check that out. Just
thought of it.

greg


if you are a rabid videophile like me, the problem is that eventually
have more tapes than you have time to look at all of them again. If
they get labeled, then no problemo when you want to find something.
But too many were hastily recorded and not labeled, or worse: the glue
on the label evaporated and the label fell off never to be found
again-- then things get hairy. Now where did I put that Doctor Who
movie... ;-(

Ron

Ron wrote:

TV. Besides, where will you get tapes? They're going away fast.

A nasty rumor only. I can get tapes easily in 8 hour three packs and
single six hour tapes for $1.99 apiece at Walgreens as well as other
stores like Safeway and Target; there never seems to be any shortage.
I suppose that IF there does come a day that VHS tapes become as
extinct as the dinosaurs and the dodo bird, *then* I'll switch to
something else, but not until that day comes. :-)

VHS tapes - and SVHS for that matter - are readily available in several
lengths and formulas from quite a few online vendors. Anything from Sony
Broadcast Quality to el-cheapo bulk.

On Feb 21, 6:41*am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

Who has bought a VCR recently? The only people who are likely to have
a working vcr today are those who so infrequently use it that it won't
be a great loss.

Granted, I've ignored those who had one fail and have a large/
worthwhile library of existing VHS tapes recorded, but let this be a
wakeup call, that when we are forced to change tech, it's time to make
backups onto the more current media.

Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

wrote:
On Feb 21, 6:41 am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

Who has bought a VCR recently? The only people who are likely to have
a working vcr today are those who so infrequently use it that it won't
be a great loss.

Granted, I've ignored those who had one fail and have a large/
worthwhile library of existing VHS tapes recorded, but let this be a
wakeup call, that when we are forced to change tech, it's time to make
backups onto the more current media.

Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

Move on ??????????
Dump about 80 bought titles(Disney,Stargate,Asterix,etc,etc,etc) and
numerous recorded ones?
Or do you have a reliable way of digitizing commercial tapes?
One which avoids the drm mangling?
If so, I would gladly convert, but I estimate 3-6 month hard work.

If not, its worthwhile to keep a VCR around.

On Feb 23, 1:36*am, Sjouke Burry
wrote:
wrote:
On Feb 21, 6:41 am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

Who has bought a VCR recently? *The only people who are likely to have
a working vcr today are those who so infrequently use it that it won't
be a great loss.

Granted, I've ignored those who had one fail and have a large/
worthwhile library of existing VHS tapes recorded, but let this be a
wakeup call, that when we are forced to change tech, it's time to make
backups onto the more current media.

Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

Move on ??????????
Dump about 80 bought titles(Disney,Stargate,Asterix,etc,etc,etc) and
numerous recorded ones?
Or do you have a reliable way of digitizing commercial tapes?
One which avoids the drm mangling?
If so, I would gladly convert, but I estimate 3-6 month hard work.

If not, its worthwhile to keep a VCR around.

Hard work? If these videos are worth keeping, they're worth the 2
hours (mostly unattended) to capture to a PC, 5 minutes to cue them
all up in a conversion application for the target output (if the
machine wasn't fast enough to do this in realtime, which modern dual +
core processors easily are, and another few minutes to put onto DVD or
whatever.

What's the alternative? You feel magnetic tape won't degrade sitting
around for years longer?

In article
,
wrote:
Hard work? If these videos are worth keeping, they're worth the 2
hours (mostly unattended) to capture to a PC, 5 minutes to cue them
all up in a conversion application for the target output (if the
machine wasn't fast enough to do this in realtime, which modern dual +
core processors easily are, and another few minutes to put onto DVD or
whatever.

What's the alternative? You feel magnetic tape won't degrade sitting
around for years longer?

My experience says magnetic tape has rather a longer life than home burned
DVDs, etc. I reckon you're lucky if they last 10 years without developing
errors.

Quite a problem, archiving. So far properly stored film seems to have the
longest life.

--
*Rehab is for quitters.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

"Dave Plowman (News)" wrote in message
...
In article
,
wrote:
Hard work? If these videos are worth keeping, they're worth the 2
hours (mostly unattended) to capture to a PC, 5 minutes to cue them
all up in a conversion application for the target output (if the
machine wasn't fast enough to do this in realtime, which modern dual +
core processors easily are, and another few minutes to put onto DVD or
whatever.

What's the alternative? You feel magnetic tape won't degrade sitting
around for years longer?

My experience says magnetic tape has rather a longer life than home burned
DVDs, etc. I reckon you're lucky if they last 10 years without developing
errors.

Quite a problem, archiving. So far properly stored film seems to have the
longest life.


My thoughts exactly on the DVD vs VHS debate. Sure the qulaity isn't there,
but it is passable for watching. Its definately better than youtube.

On Feb 23, 7:48*pm, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

What's the alternative? *You feel magnetic tape won't degrade sitting
around for years longer?

My experience says magnetic tape has rather a longer life than home burned
DVDs, etc. I reckon you're lucky if they last 10 years without developing
errors.

Quite a problem, archiving. So far properly stored film seems to have the
longest life.

Magnetic tape, stored in a good environment, does have good lifespan.
Even so, a lot of tapes are probably several years old at this point
so the remaining alternative is duping back to tape again, or another
method. We can't really know if today's DVDs will last 10 years or
not, since they've not been around 10 years and accelerated testing
tends to use perfect samples and suggests far longer. I would tend to
trust data on a slow burnt DVD more than a CDR since they are encased
on both sides, providing they're not set in strong sunlight a long
time. Either way, a good strategy would be to make two copies, each
on different lot, different brand of media.

Another option these days might be flash storage. Considering the low
resolution of VHS, videos with typical compression shouldn't be very
large, so $1/GB flash prices we're starting to see these days could
allow for reliable storage at reasonable cost (if it's worth backing
up at all, anything that can't be had on a retail DVD). In 10 years
when the flash storage retention rating has expired, flash memory will
be that much cheaper per GB.

wrote:
On Feb 21, 6:41 am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

Who has bought a VCR recently? The only people who are likely to have
a working vcr today are those who so infrequently use it that it won't
be a great loss.

I bought one the other day...at a Goodwill store. It was marked $5.99,
but had a blue price tag. Blue tags were half price that day. It took
a little cleaning; but works just fine....

jak

In article fc5e159b-a167-4b49-8205-97b841823391
@i38g2000yqd.googlegroups.com, says...
On Feb 21, 6:41*am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

Who has bought a VCR recently? The only people who are likely to have
a working vcr today are those who so infrequently use it that it won't
be a great loss.

I have, within the last year.

Granted, I've ignored those who had one fail and have a large/
worthwhile library of existing VHS tapes recorded, but let this be a
wakeup call, that when we are forced to change tech, it's time to make
backups onto the more current media.

How?

Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

Great plan, but there are titles that are still only (have ever
been) available on VHS.

In article , krw wrote:
In article fc5e159b-a167-4b49-8205-97b841823391
, says...=20
On Feb 21, 6:41=A0am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron
=20
Who has bought a VCR recently? The only people who are likely to have
a working vcr today are those who so infrequently use it that it won't
be a great loss.

I have, within the last year.

Granted, I've ignored those who had one fail and have a large/
worthwhile library of existing VHS tapes recorded, but let this be a
wakeup call, that when we are forced to change tech, it's time to make
backups onto the more current media.

How?
=20

VHS to DVD copy machine ??
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ndingMethod=rr


Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

Great plan, but there are titles that are still only (have ever=20
been) available on VHS.

In article ,
says...
In article , krw wrote:
In article fc5e159b-a167-4b49-8205-97b841823391
, says...=20
On Feb 21, 6:41=A0am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron
=20
Who has bought a VCR recently? The only people who are likely to have
a working vcr today are those who so infrequently use it that it won't
be a great loss.

I have, within the last year.

Granted, I've ignored those who had one fail and have a large/
worthwhile library of existing VHS tapes recorded, but let this be a
wakeup call, that when we are forced to change tech, it's time to make
backups onto the more current media.

How?
=20

VHS to DVD copy machine ??
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ndingMethod=rr

Copy protection?

Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

Great plan, but there are titles that are still only (have ever=20
been) available on VHS.

In article , krw wrote:
In article ,
says...
In article , krw
wrote:
In article fc5e159b-a167-4b49-8205-97b841823391
, says...=20
On Feb 21, 6:41=A0am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron
=20
Who has bought a VCR recently? The only people who are likely to have
a working vcr today are those who so infrequently use it that it won't
be a great loss.

I have, within the last year.

Granted, I've ignored those who had one fail and have a large/
worthwhile library of existing VHS tapes recorded, but let this be a
wakeup call, that when we are forced to change tech, it's time to make
backups onto the more current media.

How?
=20

VHS to DVD copy machine ??
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ndingMethod=rr

Copy protection?


On recorded tapes ???


Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

Great plan, but there are titles that are still only (have ever=20
been) available on VHS.

In article , krw wrote:
In article ,
says...
In article , krw
wrote:
In article fc5e159b-a167-4b49-8205-97b841823391
, says...=20
On Feb 21, 6:41=A0am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron
=20
Who has bought a VCR recently? The only people who are likely to have
a working vcr today are those who so infrequently use it that it won't
be a great loss.

I have, within the last year.

Granted, I've ignored those who had one fail and have a large/
worthwhile library of existing VHS tapes recorded, but let this be a
wakeup call, that when we are forced to change tech, it's time to make
backups onto the more current media.

How?
=20

VHS to DVD copy machine ??
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...ndingMethod=rr

Copy protection?

Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

Great plan, but there are titles that are still only (have ever=20
been) available on VHS.


I actually did some converting and editing a couple years back. Editing
and compiling on a computer is time consuming, allthough
you can take important sections out of tapes and eliminate crap,
time saving when viewing. I bought $650 Sony cancorder that had video inputs
which I connected to the VHS machine, fed by Firewire into the computer.
Wallmart had converters cheap as $80 a couple years back, but after I
started using my Sony. Some VHS converters have a built in hard disk so you can edit
then burn to DVD.

krw wrote:

Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

Great plan, but there are titles that are still only (have ever
been) available on VHS.

Plus, Panasonic's new DMP-BD70V will upconvert VHS to 1080p via HDMI.

In article , UCLAN wrote:
krw wrote:

Today, VHS seems such a crude low-res media to use but I realize some
priceless footage may have been shot or saved in that limited format.
The only good answer is buy a VCR if what you have is worth the cost,
just to convert it digitally, and move on.

Great plan, but there are titles that are still only (have ever
been) available on VHS.

Plus, Panasonic's new DMP-BD70V will upconvert VHS to 1080p via HDMI.

Thats interesting. One thing I have been looking into
is converting HDTV to my standard NTSC video input on my Toshiba 36 inch tube TV.
The TV had a great picture and it was more than capable of reproducing
standard definition broadcast and room to spare.

greg

On Feb 21, 6:41 am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

Standard VCRs with NTSC tuners will work just fine with digital
signals. I have my Panasonic PV-V4022 VCR connected to Time-Warner
cable (analog expanded basic); no cable box. It works just as well as
it always has; further, I am expecting it will work without hitches
after 06.12 as well. My RCA XL100 CTC185 19" TV is also connected to
cable and also operates flawlessly. Time Warner Cable has informed its
subscribers many times that if your TVs, VCRs, etc. are connected to
their cable service, there is absolutely nothing to do or to be
concerned about when 06.12 rolls around; your equipment will work just
as it does now, even when all TV is digital. The reason your sets will
work on cable is that the cable operator will convert the ATSC digital
signals to NTSC if necessary (in a lot of cases, this will have to be
done for most sets in their service area, as most people still have
analog televisions). Time Warner Cable will handle the conversion by
means of a small box containing an ATSC-NTSC converter; at least
that's what I was told by a TW representative. I live in a 12-unit
apartment building; I wondered how the ATSC-NTSC conversion would be
done. The representative told me Time Warner will install a small box
on the roof of the building, the purpose of which will be to convert
digital (ATSC) signals on the cable to NTSC. I think the same thing
(or something similar) will be done for home connections as well.

Kind regards,

Jeff Strieble, WB8NHV
Fairport Harbor, Ohio USA

In article , " wrote:
On Feb 21, 6:41 am, Ron wrote:
I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

Standard VCRs with NTSC tuners will work just fine with digital
signals. I have my Panasonic PV-V4022 VCR connected to Time-Warner
cable (analog expanded basic); no cable box. It works just as well as
it always has; further, I am expecting it will work without hitches
after 06.12 as well. My RCA XL100 CTC185 19" TV is also connected to
cable and also operates flawlessly. Time Warner Cable has informed its
subscribers many times that if your TVs, VCRs, etc. are connected to
their cable service, there is absolutely nothing to do or to be
concerned about when 06.12 rolls around; your equipment will work just
as it does now, even when all TV is digital. The reason your sets will
work on cable is that the cable operator will convert the ATSC digital
signals to NTSC if necessary (in a lot of cases, this will have to be
done for most sets in their service area, as most people still have
analog televisions). Time Warner Cable will handle the conversion by
means of a small box containing an ATSC-NTSC converter; at least
that's what I was told by a TW representative. I live in a 12-unit
apartment building; I wondered how the ATSC-NTSC conversion would be
done. The representative told me Time Warner will install a small box
on the roof of the building, the purpose of which will be to convert
digital (ATSC) signals on the cable to NTSC. I think the same thing
(or something similar) will be done for home connections as well.

Kind regards,

Jeff Strieble, WB8NHV
Fairport Harbor, Ohio USA

The converter box will convert digital to NTSC. It has nothing to do with the company
except being able to select a channel. It seems like most all the NTSC channels
are also in HDTV which I can get. When the conversion takes place I quess
the analog channels will disappear, but I guess the cable company could
switch those channels back to NTSC and rebroadcast them. That some
how seems SO stupid, all they should do is transmit them digitally for the NTSC
conversion. They can also send the channels over the cable in digital and the box will convert
to NTSC.

NTSC tuners receiving digital after the turnaround on the cable
without cable box, I don't think so.
Not unless they broadcast it in NTSC format over the cable.

greg

wrote:

I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

Standard VCRs with NTSC tuners will work just fine with digital
signals.

WHY are some still confused?

The transition from analog to digital - mandated by Congress and the FCC -
has NOTHING to due with cable. Your VCR still works because it is still
receiving ANALOG signals, not digital. Even if your cable company goes
100% digital, the RF/composite/S-video outputs of the STB are all ANALOG.
And with an optional Terapix box, all digital cable channels are converted
back to analog to satisfy those that don't want a STB.

The analog-digital transition mandate is ONLY for OTA transmissions.

In article , UCLAN wrote:
wrote:

I rather like the new digital pictures being broadcast these days, but
I have to wonder what is going to happen with all of those VCRs that
people love to set for delayed programming--- andthere are a lot of
folks who do tape shows while away or at work-- when June 12 rolls
around and VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

Ron

Standard VCRs with NTSC tuners will work just fine with digital
signals.

WHY are some still confused?

The transition from analog to digital - mandated by Congress and the FCC -
has NOTHING to due with cable. Your VCR still works because it is still
receiving ANALOG signals, not digital. Even if your cable company goes
100% digital, the RF/composite/S-video outputs of the STB are all ANALOG.
And with an optional Terapix box, all digital cable channels are converted
back to analog to satisfy those that don't want a STB.

The analog-digital transition mandate is ONLY for OTA transmissions.

Its a fact both my cable boxes, are both digital, but only one is HDTV capable.
None have a digital output.

The idea is also to have all HDTV eventually. I guess one day the digital
channels will go off the air with NTSC bandwidth specs. and only leave digital HDTV ???

If I select a digital HDTV channel and try to watch it on an old set,
whats going to happen ?? This is with video in, but how about
antenna in ??

GregS wrote:

Its a fact both my cable boxes, are both digital, but only one is HDTV capable.
None have a digital output.

I have yet to see a cable HDTV STB that didn't have either a DVI or HDMI
output. Model?

The idea is also to have all HDTV eventually. I guess one day the digital
channels will go off the air with NTSC bandwidth specs. and only leave digital HDTV ???

Huh? I don't comprehend.

If I select a digital HDTV channel and try to watch it on an old set,
whats going to happen ?? This is with video in, but how about
antenna in ??

"Video in" from a cable box is analog, so it will be OK. "Antenna in" is
also analog if coming from your cable box, or a digital-analog converter
for your antenna.

In article , UCLAN wrote:
GregS wrote:

Its a fact both my cable boxes, are both digital, but only one is HDTV
capable.
None have a digital output.

I have yet to see a cable HDTV STB that didn't have either a DVI or HDMI
output. Model?

I think there is a DVI ont the HD box.

The idea is also to have all HDTV eventually. I guess one day the digital
channels will go off the air with NTSC bandwidth specs. and only leave
digital HDTV ???

Huh? I don't comprehend.

Digital with standard lines/frequency.

If I select a digital HDTV channel and try to watch it on an old set,
whats going to happen ?? This is with video in, but how about
antenna in ??

"Video in" from a cable box is analog, so it will be OK. "Antenna in" is
also analog if coming from your cable box, or a digital-analog converter
for your antenna.

Right now I have the RGB going to my new LCD HDTV works fine in HD mode.
If I connectec video to my old 36 inch CRT Toshiba, its
not going to recognize the new formats.

greg

If I select a digital HDTV channel and try to watch it on an old set,
whats going to happen ?? This is with video in, but how about
antenna in ??

Channel 6 here is crazy, broadcasting analog some days and
broadcasting digital other days-- while broadcasting analog at night--
every night. Geez, it's enough to make somebody really go off the deep
end!

But to answer your question, a digital signal going into an old TV or
VCR tuner gets you either a blank picture-- a nice blue screen if
you're lucky-- or more likely a lot of snow and static; but no picture
whatsoever. You either need a converter box or cable.

Ron

In article , Ron wrote:

If I select a digital HDTV channel and try to watch it on an old set,
whats going to happen ?? This is with video in, but how about
antenna in ??

Channel 6 here is crazy, broadcasting analog some days and
broadcasting digital other days-- while broadcasting analog at night--
every night. Geez, it's enough to make somebody really go off the deep
end!

But to answer your question, a digital signal going into an old TV or
VCR tuner gets you either a blank picture-- a nice blue screen if
you're lucky-- or more likely a lot of snow and static; but no picture
whatsoever. You either need a converter box or cable.


Thanks for the answer. I guess I just have to hook er up and see.
I know several years ago my brother similar rear projection
set was able to get a much better picture receiving HDTV.

greg

Hi!

VCR tuners won't be able to tune into the new digital
signals?

I'd have to think that the newer DVD/VCR combinations would have ATSC
tuners onboard these days.

As for older VCRs, I've used a converter box with mine and it works
fine. The only thing I've had to watch for is the automatic four hour
power-down on the converter box--but I caught that and turned it off
ahead of time.

William