why isnt my dvr recording programs in the same quality they are broadcast?

Question

the picture is great live, but if i record and play back, the picture looks terrible! please help my friend is going to be on tv in 6 hours and i need this to record!!!

oh yea, scientific atlanta explorer 8300 HD

this just started recently, it was fine a few days ago

Answer 1

Most DVRs have two recording modes
a) For digital channels, they extract directly the digital bit stream and store it in the disc (it is already compressed)

b) For analog channels, they use an internal encoder to compress that stream.

If it records in mode a) the quality should be as good as the original. If it records in mode b) then quality depends on the quality mode set by you or the DVR.

Some DVRs may become too smart. If they see that you don't have enough space in the hard drive, they may switch to a lower quality recording so that you can record the whole show.

So, what can you do?
a) Check if you have enough space in your drive
b) make sure that all recordings are in the highest possible quality
c) If a program is available in both analog and digital channels, always record from the digital channel

Answer 2

Hi trampazoid,

It sounds like your recording resolution is set to low. Look in your manual and set the DVR to the highest quality setting.

The other thing you can try is power down the DVR and reboot it. This may correct a glitch in the process.

Good luck,

Norm

Answer 3

DVR's have inner frustrating drives that holds recorded courses. perchance your project is a results of a project with the frustrating force. if so, it incredibly is comparatively ordinary to interchange and you are able to locate many web content on line with training.

Answer 4

YOUR TRYING TO RECORD A HD SIGNAL ON A STANDARD DEF MEDIUM.

Answer 5

Norm votes for his self

Answer 6

i had one and it was worse than a vcr.. i took it back