How does my VCR know what channel is selected when displaying input from a DVR connected via Composite Video?

Question

I have an Emerson Digital Video Recorder (Composite Video Out) connected to a Panasonic Video Cassette Recorder (Composite Video In). The VCR (RF Out) is connected to a Sharp Television (RF In). Both the DRV and VCR are connected to Comcast Cable via RF In.

I set the TV to channel 3 to display the output from the VCR. I set the VCR to 'Line 1' to pass the DVR output to the TV. I set the DVR to channel 6 (KDKA in Pittsburgh).

When I press 'Display' on the VCR remote, the time, tape count and channel are displayed on the TV. With the equipment set up as described above, KDKA is displayed by the VCR as the channel.

How does the VCR know what channel is selected on the DVR when they are connected via Composite Video? This only works with some channels. Other channels display 'Line 1' as I would expect.

Answer 1

The Panasonic's have auto-setup and are able to read data that is in the video signal that isn't displayed. It uses this to auto-set the time and channels. It must be sensing the data in the video and displaying it, even though it's being passed through from the DVR.

Consider using the Composite video outputs on the VCR and the Composite video inputs on the TV, if it has any. You'll get a much better picture than with the RF re-modulation.

Answer 2

First, evaluate the in many cases happening of the image between a coaxial cable (RF) and composite inputs from the cable container. in case you do no longer observe any distinction, then you definately can thoroughly use the composite inputs from the VCR. Does your television even have channels for auxiliary inputs, in many cases labelled source a million, source 2, etc., under Channel 2 (making use of the distant)? Your television could be set as much as decrease off the cable enter while the composite enter jacks are used, so making use of channel 3/4 does not artwork if so. I devised a hookup the place the incoming cable is directed by a splitter to 3 outputs: the digital cable container, a stereo receiver (for the FM radio), and an A-B change. The change determines the source of the sign for the television. I used the two composite and cable connections from the container to my DVD recorder. The output of the recorder is going by cable to the different enter on the A-B change. Then I used the audio output connections on the television to pass to my domicile Theater unit, and its video output to pass returned to the television. i'm able to checklist one channel collectively as gazing yet another. in case you email me collectively with your wide-unfold (no longer Yahoo!) email handle, i will deliver you a wiring diagram. Your cable corporation could grant you with the A-B change and from now on short cables you desire (yet no longer the RCA cables).