VCR Problems...

Gildersleeve · 12-09-2010, 15:26

I suppose it's time to change to a DVD recorder but I tried for an answer on this maybe a year ago.

I stopped recording and got distracted...but wanted to record again this weekend...

I have a VCR recorder/DVD player that was working fine and then suddenly I found if I record certain channels and play back what I have recorded or watch through the video channel whilst recording a channel, certain channels keep darkening and lightening every few seconds.

I'm trying to decide if it's a VCR problem or caused by satellite channels changing their scrambling technology? Or a fault with the satellite receiver and the signal its putting into the VCR.

I also wonder if the same problem is likely to happen if/when I replace this VCR with a new one or a DVD recorder otherwise there seems to be no reason bothering.

BBC1, BBC2, ITV3, C4 and C5 terrestrial work fine. So the problem does seem to have some association with satellite.

I was trying to decide if it's a kind of tuner problem...

Thanks...also for the help regarding the mini-discs problems a few weeks ago...

Nigel Goodwin · 12-09-2010, 16:07

It sounds like you're trying to record a macro-vision protected programme?.

Exactly what channels and programmes were you trying to record?.

Gildersleeve · 12-09-2010, 18:01

Well today it was TCM but the last time I tried to record something it was Challenge TV but I'd have to start and go through the channels and make a list...I do know sometimes in the past it has been the same programmes as shown on terrestrial tv but perhaps on satellite and it has happened.

I think Living was another channel.

It basically means if I do not make a point of sitting in front of the tv when something is on I have to give up.

Nigel Goodwin · 12-09-2010, 18:05

Sky boxes have the capability of adding macrovision to the video output, in response to a signal to do so in the broacast. It's possible that's it on permanently, so try unplugging it from the mains for ten minutes or so, then plug it back in and try it again.

Or your VCR could even be faulty?.

12-09-2010, 15:26	#1
Gildersleeve Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North East England Posts: 3,024	VCR Problems... I suppose it's time to change to a DVD recorder but I tried for an answer on this maybe a year ago. I stopped recording and got distracted...but wanted to record again this weekend... I have a VCR recorder/DVD player that was working fine and then suddenly I found if I record certain channels and play back what I have recorded or watch through the video channel whilst recording a channel, certain channels keep darkening and lightening every few seconds. I'm trying to decide if it's a VCR problem or caused by satellite channels changing their scrambling technology? Or a fault with the satellite receiver and the signal its putting into the VCR. I also wonder if the same problem is likely to happen if/when I replace this VCR with a new one or a DVD recorder otherwise there seems to be no reason bothering. BBC1, BBC2, ITV3, C4 and C5 terrestrial work fine. So the problem does seem to have some association with satellite. I was trying to decide if it's a kind of tuner problem... Thanks...also for the help regarding the mini-discs problems a few weeks ago...

12-09-2010, 16:07	#2
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	It sounds like you're trying to record a macro-vision protected programme?. Exactly what channels and programmes were you trying to record?.

12-09-2010, 18:01	#3
Gildersleeve Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North East England Posts: 3,024	Well today it was TCM but the last time I tried to record something it was Challenge TV but I'd have to start and go through the channels and make a list...I do know sometimes in the past it has been the same programmes as shown on terrestrial tv but perhaps on satellite and it has happened. I think Living was another channel. It basically means if I do not make a point of sitting in front of the tv when something is on I have to give up.

12-09-2010, 18:05	#4
Nigel Goodwin Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: North Derbyshire Posts: 41,789	Sky boxes have the capability of adding macrovision to the video output, in response to a signal to do so in the broacast. It's possible that's it on permanently, so try unplugging it from the mains for ten minutes or so, then plug it back in and try it again. Or your VCR could even be faulty?.

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VCR Problems...