Antenna, HDTV, VCR, etc. hookup help needed?

Question

I have:
1 HDTV
1 Non HD TV
2 VCRS
1 Surround Sound System with DVD
1 Outdoor Aerial Antenna
There is no satellite nor cable to connect to.

We have the VCRs linked together with the antenna connected to the 'main' VCR. The 'main' VCR runs through the SS System to the HDTV. The 2nd VCR is with the analog TV. We had this set up to use one satellite receiver on two TVs, but we no longer subscribe. Also the VCR link is used quite a bit (with a 2yo in the house).

Since I'm not using my HDTV tuner (with antenna) I am not getting all the channels I can. Right?

How can I set up my system to be able to get HD on my HDTV. I need to be able to use the antenna with both TVs. And I'd like to keep the VCR setup.

I know I'm askiing a lot, but help!

Answer 1

Actually, it's simple in comparison w/ some other setups.

First, split the output of your antenna between your two TV setups, as before, each one to each VCR. The RF (coax) output from each of your VCRs go to the RF input of their respective TVs.

The RF signal of the antenna will pass through the VCR and end up at your HDTV's digital tuner, enabling you to watch HDTV over the air. Of course, your VCR will only record analog programming because that's the tuner inside. Playback from your VCR can either be through Channel 3 (analog) or your composite/component setup.

You'll need two AV cables from your SS System to your HDTV: one from your VCR, the other to your HDTV. Then you can play back your VCR or DVD via Video 1, selecting the inputs at the SS System.

The non HDTV will have the same setup as before.

Hope that helps.