Hook up 2 VCRs and 1 TV to Operate Independently/Simultaneously?

Question

I have 2 VCRs and 1 TV.

I want to record one program on VCR#1, and another on VCR#2, while watching a third on the TV.

I have done this before without a splitter or A/B switch, problem is I don’t remember how!

I have:
1. Hooked the incoming coaxial cable wire into VCR#1 ANT/IN;
2. Then ran another coaxial cable from the VCR#1 ANT/OUT to VCR#2 ANT/IN; and
3. Finally ran third coaxial cable from the VCR#2 ANT/OUT to the TV.

Before I could start by:

1. Tuning the TV to channel 3;
2. Turn on VCR#1 and pushing TV-VCR button on the remote, I could now set VCR#1 to record CSI on channel 10;
3. Push TV-VCR button on the remote to leave VCR#1;
4. Turn on VCR#2 and pushing TV-VCR button on the remote, I could now set VCR#2 to record Shark on channel 13;
5. Push TV-VCR button on the remote to leave VCR#2; and
6. I could now watch Cold Case on channel 9 thru the TV.

This all works but VCR#2 now only records static!

HELP!!!!!

Any assistance would be appreciated

Beverlee

Answer 1

VCR 2 will get static because, just like the TV, it's getting it's information from VCR 1. So, just like the TV, VCR 2 would have to be on Channel 3.

The VCR may have a passthrough setting. When this is activiated, the COAX just passes through the VCR without modification allowing for subsequent devices in the chain to use their own tuner. This is very common with today's cable boxes.

I would not recommend the hookup approach you've selected. It'd be much better to start with a high quality splitter from the wall plate. Then, each tuner can manage it's own signal. Further, most TV's in the last two decades comes with multiple input ports. Allow each VCR to use one of these alternative input ports. If you're TV is ancient enough not to have this, then you should get an external switch box.

Note: That this setup will only work for a couple of more months. The network is moving to digitial starting at the beginning of 2008. So, you'll need to have a cable box or an off-the-air digital tuner (going on sale in Jan 2008 too) to receive the data. For your setup, this means you'll need three of the converter boxes (unless some of your devices are new enough to receive digital TV - which by your description, I don't think so).

Answer 2

Rather puzzling.

It sounds like VCR #2 is switching from its tuner to it's video in jacks or another channel after you program it.

Try some detective work:

If VCR #1 is turned off, does VCR #2 record correctly?

If you have a TV with composite inputs, run a composite video cable from VCR #2's output to that TV and watch it's signal as you go through your setup. When does VCR #2 loose it's signal?

When setting up the VCRs, try placing some cardboard or other opaque object in front of VCR #2 IR window just after you switch its TV/Antenna output. Does this make a difference?

If you haven't figured the problem out after doing these things, add a comment to your question with the results of your "detective work".


Additional comment since someone else brought it up:

A lot a cable companies are planing to switch their analog customers (like you are) over to using converter boxes. If/when this happens you will have to change the way you do this.

It might not hurt to call your cable company and ask if they are going to do this, and if so whether they will be having an "open QAM" system. An open (that is, not encrypted) QAM cable system allows more flexibility than being stuck with three cable company converter boxes.

Answer 3

Actually I would recommend a different way with a splitter. Here goes.

Get a three way splitter connect three leads to the antenna inputs on all three, TV VCR 1 &2.

Next connect 2 sets of AV cables to video inputs on TV and corisponding outputs on VCRs.

You will then use the TVs input selector to monitor each VCR and the correct channel.

You didn't provide any model numbers so I am unsure if this hook up would work or not. It has been a while since hooking up a VCR. There is the option of seting each VCR to a diferent video modulation output one on 3 and one on 4. And daisy chain coax.

Answer 4

Get a 3 way cable splitter and splice it into the original connection, than you can use 3 coaxes to the cable in and record two different programs while you watch tv on a third.

Make sure you get a 3 way splitter, Radio shack should have them.

Answer 5

that should work, as long as your VCRs are capable of recording one show while watching another, AND you do not have cable that requires a converter box from the cable company.

VCR 1: tune to the station you want to record, and then hit the button that allows you to watch another channel

VCR 2: tune to the station you want to record, then hit the button that allows you to watch another channel

TV: watch the third show.

good luck!

Answer 6

There are many better ways to do this. I would recommend Han's as the smartest.

Answer 7

wow, people still use VCRs....how does that 8 track sound in your old Buick

Answer 8

nice idea but save yourself the trouble and just get a recorder from the cable company... which will allow you to do what your asking.

Answer 9

Since you tell us NOTHING about the equipment involved, nor what you wish to accomplish, your question is impossible to answer.