Smartlink/iLink DVD Recording

TerryH · 04-11-2004, 12:11

I have a Sony freeview box which supports Smartlink. If I connect this to a DVD Recorder which has Smartlink/iLink and ask it to record, will it automatically start recording.

What I really want to know is whether they need to be set into 'Sync mode' or similar, or will they start recording regardless?

Thanks
TerryH

Tim.C · 04-11-2004, 13:34

My experience of SmartLink (which is only Sony iDTV to Sony video) is that it detected the link and adjusted itself accordingly.

When either piece of equipment is connected to non-Smartlink stuff, their operation subtley changes.

ie the 'SmartLink' indicator on the video goes off !!!!, the TV doesn't try and tell me 'not recording' if there's no tape in the video - that kind of thing.

Short answer - it should work, but I haven't tried it !!

Tim.C

chrisjr · 04-11-2004, 16:22

Sony's SmartLink only really works 100% with other Sony kit as far as I can tell. I have a Panasonic DVD which has it's own dialect of SmartLink/iLink it calls QuickLink.

Altough the two "links" have certain "words" in common there is no way you could describe them as entirely compatible. The Sony box will make the Panasonic go into Record either from the EPG timed record list or the Rec button on the remote and will even get the Panasonic to switch to the appropriate SCART input.

However what it won't do is pass titling info between the two which the Sony manual claims is part of SmartLink. Obviously this part of the spec is different between Sony and Panasonic. Not a big deal but having titles for recordings does make it easier to find stuff

Also the Sony and Panasonic are supposed to negotiate the best quality video link but don't seem to be able to. Mind you as you seem to have a choice of PAL or errr PAL (might do S-Video but I'm not convinced, certainly doesn't do RGB) on the Sony's VCR SCART it doesn't really matter a great deal

So in the most basic of terms the two ought to work together OK for basic "start record" commands but any other bells and whistles might be a bit hit and miss. All depends on how much store you set by the frilly bits like titles...

04-11-2004, 12:11	#1
TerryH Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Suffolk Posts: 932	Smartlink/iLink DVD Recording I have a Sony freeview box which supports Smartlink. If I connect this to a DVD Recorder which has Smartlink/iLink and ask it to record, will it automatically start recording. What I really want to know is whether they need to be set into 'Sync mode' or similar, or will they start recording regardless? Thanks TerryH

04-11-2004, 13:34	#2
Tim.C Forum Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Halesowen Posts: 573	My experience of SmartLink (which is only Sony iDTV to Sony video) is that it detected the link and adjusted itself accordingly. When either piece of equipment is connected to non-Smartlink stuff, their operation subtley changes. ie the 'SmartLink' indicator on the video goes off !!!!, the TV doesn't try and tell me 'not recording' if there's no tape in the video - that kind of thing. Short answer - it should work, but I haven't tried it !! Tim.C

04-11-2004, 16:22	#3
chrisjr Forum Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Reading Posts: 27,916	Sony's SmartLink only really works 100% with other Sony kit as far as I can tell. I have a Panasonic DVD which has it's own dialect of SmartLink/iLink it calls QuickLink. Altough the two "links" have certain "words" in common there is no way you could describe them as entirely compatible. The Sony box will make the Panasonic go into Record either from the EPG timed record list or the Rec button on the remote and will even get the Panasonic to switch to the appropriate SCART input. However what it won't do is pass titling info between the two which the Sony manual claims is part of SmartLink. Obviously this part of the spec is different between Sony and Panasonic. Not a big deal but having titles for recordings does make it easier to find stuff Also the Sony and Panasonic are supposed to negotiate the best quality video link but don't seem to be able to. Mind you as you seem to have a choice of PAL or errr PAL (might do S-Video but I'm not convinced, certainly doesn't do RGB) on the Sony's VCR SCART it doesn't really matter a great deal So in the most basic of terms the two ought to work together OK for basic "start record" commands but any other bells and whistles might be a bit hit and miss. All depends on how much store you set by the frilly bits like titles...

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Smartlink/iLink DVD Recording