Hitachi DV-PF5E (UK) DVD/VCR combi

chris2k2 · 16-04-2005, 16:31

Thought i'd treat meself to a new dvd player, as my original dvd was 3 years old - and i thought it was time for an upgrade.

Anyway, i decided to buy a dvd/vcr combi - the one listed in the title, £90 from Argos.

http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...clickfrom=name

There is a video+ version (DV-PF4E) for £10 extra, but i have freeview, so no need.

Was wondering if anyone else as bought one, or the other version, and what you think of it.

I like it alot.

6 heads (cracking picture), hifi-stereo, 3 scarts (2 back 1 front), dvd has dolby surround option, plays dvd-r (not sure about +r not got these), cd-r(w) & mp3 compatibilty, etc.

The feature i like tho' which isn't listed on the argos site.

It has a mutli-band tuner, receives channel 1 - 141 (excluding 10 - 20 - which i believe is for italy use), which the book lists as oscar & hyper frequencies also known as VHF.

I've worked this out to be 44MHz - 890 MHz. frequency range.

Only thing i can't get yet is a multiregion & VCD hack.

Does anyone have one.

Lizzybif · 16-04-2005, 19:02

This sounds really good and a great price!

I am having problems with my JVC VCR/DVD Combi in that the programmes recorded from TV have a flickering on the picture especially on blocks of red and blue.

What kind of picture do you get on recordings with this model?

chris2k2 · 16-04-2005, 21:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzybif

This sounds really good and a great price!

I am having problems with my JVC VCR/DVD Combi in that the programmes recorded from TV have a flickering on the picture especially on blocks of red and blue.

What kind of picture do you get on recordings with this model?

Whenever i record, i use scart but perfect for me - no problems yet.

Lizzybif · 16-04-2005, 23:24

Do you use an RGB Scart?

chris2k2 · 16-04-2005, 23:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzybif

Do you use an RGB Scart?

My freeview box has RGB but the 2nd socket on the freeview isn't rgb.

The video has RGB for the 1st scart but only works with the dvd mode.

Lizzybif · 16-04-2005, 23:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris2k2

My freeview box has RGB but the 2nd socket on the freeview isn't rgb.

The video has RGB for the 1st scart but only works with the dvd mode.

Sorry Chris you've lost me there!

I have an RGB Scart in the Freeview but not in the VCR. What do you meant the RGB only works with the dvd mode?

chris2k2 · 17-04-2005, 00:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzybif

Sorry Chris you've lost me there!

I have an RGB Scart in the Freeview but not in the VCR. What do you meant the RGB only works with the dvd mode?

Sorry about not being too clear.

On the VCR/DVD scart 1 is only rgb, scart 2 is just standard (cvbs) or whatever its called.

Scart 1 works for anything, but if the video is played it is only in standard mode.

However, if a dvd is played, the video switches to RGB mode.

If you connect the freeview rgb scart to the video, the video will only record in normal mode, the video doesn't record rgb.

Lizzybif · 17-04-2005, 18:08

Thanks a lot Chris for taking the time to explain it so clearly to me.

I am still afraid to buy it in case I still get a 'flickering' picture!
I was told that 'vhs recording significantly degrades the picture'.

I suppose the only way around this would be to buy a DVD recorder but they are quite expensive.

Hope you don't mind but I have another dumb question !!!
You should you didn't need the DV-PF4E as you have Freeview. Why is this?

I promise that's the last question!!!

chris2k2 · 17-04-2005, 18:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzybif

Thanks a lot Chris for taking the time to explain it so clearly to me.

I am still afraid to buy it in case I still get a 'flickering' picture!
I was told that 'vhs recording significantly degrades the picture'.

I suppose the only way around this would be to buy a DVD recorder but they are quite expensive.

Hope you don't mind but I have another dumb question !!!
You should you didn't need the DV-PF4E as you have Freeview. Why is this?

I promise that's the last question!!!

Videoplus only works with analogue channels. I think it may work with sky as well but not to sure.

Freeview does not yet broadcast the data for videoplus recording, and as freeview is digital i prefare to record via freeview.

The flickering you have, could be the scart leads your using.

If they are the thin type, try the fat type, or gold.

Lizzybif · 17-04-2005, 19:02

Thanks again!

Sorry I know I said that would be my last question but can I sneak another in? Pretty please!

I have two Scart leads (both fat - you're speaking my language! LOL), one is RGB and goes from the Freeview to the TV and the other 'ordinary' one goes from the TV to the VCR (both new) I take it that I should get a good recording with this.
I did wonder about the actual video cable which came with the VCR/DVD Combi but I take it that this should be ok?

Liz

chris2k2 · 17-04-2005, 19:11

You got 2 scarts on your tv, freeview box & video/dvd.

It would be best if you have, to get another scart cable.

Scart1 freeview (this would be the rgb one), direct to tv (probably like it is now).

Scart 2 freeview to vcr/video scart 1.

Scart2 video to scart 2 on your tv.

From your description, it sounds like you ain't using scart for freeview recording.

Unless your tv as a scart 2 input selector.

You using the normal lead which came with the vcr/dvd for recording?

Lizzybif · 17-04-2005, 19:22

Right I know I'm being thick and you're being incredibly patient but from what you say I think I am 'missing' the scart lead coming from Freeview to the VCR?
Should I get an 'ordinary' one or an RGB?

I am using the cable which came with the VCR/DVD to record.

chris2k2 · 17-04-2005, 19:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzybif

Right I know I'm being thick and you're being incredibly patient but from what you say I think I am 'missing' the scart lead coming from Freeview to the VCR?
Should I get an 'ordinary' one or an RGB?

I am using the cable which came with the VCR/DVD to record.

That might explain your flickering.

Your using the standard RF cable which came with the video.

It may be possible that your wires are touching, and causing inteference when recording.

It would be best for you to use a scart lead and tune the video to one of the av channels, AV1 or AV2 or whatever (some are listed as E1 or L1.

Most scart leads are now RGB - as long as they are fully wired, but VCR can only record in PAL/CVBS or whatever its called - unless your vcr has SVHS compatibility.

The video converts the RGB to pal when recording, so doesn't matter which scart lead you get, thin, fat or gold its up to you.

When using thin, its sometimes possible you will get interference on the picture itself, moving diagonal lines, picture over picture.

Not always the case tho'. If you have a spare scart hanging round, try it first.

I bought 3 gold scarts the other day, as i thought whilst new video will get new leads as well.

The ones i got was on offer £3 each from woolworths. These are fully-wired rgb, and have had no problem with them.

You may not need to replace the leads you have, just may need to buy the 1 scart.

Depends upon what connections you have. How many scarts you got available, on the tv, video & freeview.

The example i gave you, is 2 each.

Lizzybif · 17-04-2005, 19:45

I have actually ordered a gold RGB Scart lead.

I'm a bit lost as to where I should put it though and am afraid to ask you in case you tell me!!! LOL

Think I may need to get someone to look at it who understands about these things!

chris2k2 · 17-04-2005, 19:49

Tell me what connections you have?

Have a look at the back of your tv, vcr, & freeview box, and tell em how many scarts you have.

If 2 each, use the method i mentioned above.

Which scart did you order.

Lizzybif · 17-04-2005, 22:16

I can't do that at the moment as I have arthritis and the TV etc is really heavy to pull out. I'll check when I feel a wee bit better.

I orderered a 21 pin RGB Gold lead

chris2k2 · 17-04-2005, 22:21

Ok then, no problems there.

Tells you in the manuals/books you get with the products, unless the dog as eaten them.

Lizzybif · 17-04-2005, 22:48

In my case it's more likely that the cat peed on them!!!! LOL

I'll get the manuals out and check in with you tomorrow.

Night night

chris2k2 · 17-04-2005, 22:51

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzybif

In my case it's more likely that the cat peed on them!!!! LOL

I'll get the manuals out and check in with you tomorrow.

Night night

Will be going soon myself.

See you tomorrow then, but will be off & on, uni again tomorrow

Lizzybif · 18-04-2005, 14:34

Hi Chris!

Right I have my manuals!

The Freeview box only has one scart and that has an RGB Lead going from it to the TV.

The TV and VCR both have two scarts.

At the moment the scart lead from Freeview is fitted into Ext2 and the VCR into Ext1 but the TV manual says that 'equipment delivering S-VHS signals should preferably be connected to Ext2.(My VCR is S-VHS)
However, to complicate matters it says that 'equipment delivering RGB signals such as DVD Players should preferably be connected to Ext1' What happens when you have both together as in a combi?
Pity there wasn't a smilie of someone pulling their hair out!!!!

As far as I can see though everything seems to be connected alright though so don't know what could be causing the flipping flickering on the video?

When I 'preview' the picture being recorded on the video channel it is ok and I take it this is what is being recorded so if the flickering occurs during the recording then it is the VCR which is at fault.

You said that it didn't look like I was recording from Freeview but the electrical engineer tuned it in to the Video so I could record from it. Ext 1 is my video channel and Ext 2 shows Channel 5.

Let me know what you think Chris if you can follow all this!!!!!

Cheers
Liz

chris2k2 · 18-04-2005, 15:10

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzybif

Hi Chris!

Right I have my manuals!

The Freeview box only has one scart and that has an RGB Lead going from it to the TV.

The TV and VCR both have two scarts.

At the moment the scart lead from Freeview is fitted into Ext2 and the VCR into Ext1 but the TV manual says that 'equipment delivering S-VHS signals should preferably be connected to Ext2.(My VCR is S-VHS)
However, to complicate matters it says that 'equipment delivering RGB signals such as DVD Players should preferably be connected to Ext1' What happens when you have both together as in a combi?
Pity there wasn't a smilie of someone pulling their hair out!!!!

As far as I can see though everything seems to be connected alright though so don't know what could be causing the flipping flickering on the video?

When I 'preview' the picture being recorded on the video channel it is ok and I take it this is what is being recorded so if the flickering occurs during the recording then it is the VCR which is at fault.

You said that it didn't look like I was recording from Freeview but the electrical engineer tuned it in to the Video so I could record from it. Ext 1 is my video channel and Ext 2 shows Channel 5.

Let me know what you think Chris if you can follow all this!!!!!

Cheers
Liz

When i said not recording from freeview, i meant not using scart.

The technician has connected your system, so that you are recording using RF - well that what it sounds like.

What channel on your video is the freeview. You said when viewing the channel to record, you can't see any flickering.

What channel is this. Is it av, ext, etc or channel 6 something like that.

BBC1 would be 1, BBC2 2, itv1 3, ch4, 4 five 5, freeview 6 or 0.

If its ext, av, etc, then your freeview is connected via scart.

But from your description, frreview to tv ext1, unless your tv has a setting somewhere to switch the TV ext1 signal, then you can record using the scarts.

You said ext2 shows five, is this normal five or freeview.

Channel 6 or ext1

Lizzybif · 18-04-2005, 18:22

Phew Chris what a lot of questions!!!

Right Freeview is on Channel 5.

The video channel is Ext 1 and there is no 'flickering' on this.
Ext 2 is Freeview.

Hope I've got that alright!

I do actually wonder if it is the VCR which is at fault.
Do you record TV programmes from your Hitachi and, if so, what kind of picture do you get?

Liz

chris2k2 · 18-04-2005, 18:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzybif

Phew Chris what a lot of questions!!!

Right Freeview is on Channel 5.

The video channel is Ext 1 and there is no 'flickering' on this.
Ext 2 is Freeview.

Hope I've got that alright!

I do actually wonder if it is the VCR which is at fault.
Do you record TV programmes from your Hitachi and, if so, what kind of picture do you get?

Liz

Yep, thats what i bought it for, to record programmes.

I always record them direct from the freeview box. Clear picture & sound.

You said freeview is on channel 5 - i assume this is the video.

This would confirm that the freeview box isn't connected to video via scart.

Your best method, would be to connect the video (scart 1) to ext1 on the tv, the 2nd scart on the video direct to freeview.

This way you can record via the scart upon the video, rather than using the channel 5.

The only problem - i'm not too sure as i've not got access to your video, unless your video has rgb on the second slot, is that the freeview may not be rgb if connected to 2nd scart slot on video.

If the 2nd scart slot on video is rgb, then the freeview will be rgb.

Lizzybif · 18-04-2005, 19:23

Oh Chris sorry but you've lost me again!

Channel 5 is my 'Freeview Channel' which I can access when the VCR is switched off.

If I recorded from Scart rather than Channel 5 how could I programme the timer?

chris2k2 · 18-04-2005, 19:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lizzybif

Oh Chris sorry but you've lost me again!

Channel 5 is my 'Freeview Channel' which I can access when the VCR is switched off.

If I recorded from Scart rather than Channel 5 how could I programme the timer?

Channel 5 is just showing the loopthrough of the freeview box.

I'll try not to confuse you. That little thin aerial cable.

Not all boxes have this option now.

As your freeview box is connected to the tv already as ext1, your freeview should also be on av1 on your tv somewhere.

Look at your tv remote, there should be a button listed as av.

If you record through scart, you can still use the timer, instead of choosing channel 5, you would choose av1, or whatever channel your video uses.

I can't really make it any more clear for you, so sorry if you can't follow.

16-04-2005, 16:31	#1
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Hitachi DV-PF5E (UK) DVD/VCR combi Thought i'd treat meself to a new dvd player, as my original dvd was 3 years old - and i thought it was time for an upgrade. Anyway, i decided to buy a dvd/vcr combi - the one listed in the title, £90 from Argos. http://www.argos.co.uk/webapp/wcs/st...clickfrom=name There is a video+ version (DV-PF4E) for £10 extra, but i have freeview, so no need. Was wondering if anyone else as bought one, or the other version, and what you think of it. I like it alot. 6 heads (cracking picture), hifi-stereo, 3 scarts (2 back 1 front), dvd has dolby surround option, plays dvd-r (not sure about +r not got these), cd-r(w) & mp3 compatibilty, etc. The feature i like tho' which isn't listed on the argos site. It has a mutli-band tuner, receives channel 1 - 141 (excluding 10 - 20 - which i believe is for italy use), which the book lists as oscar & hyper frequencies also known as VHF. I've worked this out to be 44MHz - 890 MHz. frequency range. Only thing i can't get yet is a multiregion & VCD hack. Does anyone have one.

17-04-2005, 19:02	#10
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	Thanks again! Sorry I know I said that would be my last question but can I sneak another in? Pretty please! I have two Scart leads (both fat - you're speaking my language! LOL), one is RGB and goes from the Freeview to the TV and the other 'ordinary' one goes from the TV to the VCR (both new) I take it that I should get a good recording with this. I did wonder about the actual video cable which came with the VCR/DVD Combi but I take it that this should be ok? Liz Last edited by Lizzybif : 17-04-2005 at 19:03. Reason: spellin

16-04-2005, 19:02	#2
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	This sounds really good and a great price! I am having problems with my JVC VCR/DVD Combi in that the programmes recorded from TV have a flickering on the picture especially on blocks of red and blue. What kind of picture do you get on recordings with this model?

16-04-2005, 21:39	#3
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Quote: Originally Posted by Lizzybif This sounds really good and a great price! I am having problems with my JVC VCR/DVD Combi in that the programmes recorded from TV have a flickering on the picture especially on blocks of red and blue. What kind of picture do you get on recordings with this model? Whenever i record, i use scart but perfect for me - no problems yet.

16-04-2005, 23:24	#4
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	Do you use an RGB Scart?

16-04-2005, 23:37	#5
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Quote: Originally Posted by Lizzybif Do you use an RGB Scart? My freeview box has RGB but the 2nd socket on the freeview isn't rgb. The video has RGB for the 1st scart but only works with the dvd mode.

16-04-2005, 23:59	#6
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	Quote: Originally Posted by chris2k2 My freeview box has RGB but the 2nd socket on the freeview isn't rgb. The video has RGB for the 1st scart but only works with the dvd mode. Sorry Chris you've lost me there! I have an RGB Scart in the Freeview but not in the VCR. What do you meant the RGB only works with the dvd mode?

17-04-2005, 00:21	#7
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Quote: Originally Posted by Lizzybif Sorry Chris you've lost me there! I have an RGB Scart in the Freeview but not in the VCR. What do you meant the RGB only works with the dvd mode? Sorry about not being too clear. On the VCR/DVD scart 1 is only rgb, scart 2 is just standard (cvbs) or whatever its called. Scart 1 works for anything, but if the video is played it is only in standard mode. However, if a dvd is played, the video switches to RGB mode. If you connect the freeview rgb scart to the video, the video will only record in normal mode, the video doesn't record rgb.

17-04-2005, 18:08	#8
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	Thanks a lot Chris for taking the time to explain it so clearly to me. I am still afraid to buy it in case I still get a 'flickering' picture! I was told that 'vhs recording significantly degrades the picture'. I suppose the only way around this would be to buy a DVD recorder but they are quite expensive. Hope you don't mind but I have another dumb question !!! You should you didn't need the DV-PF4E as you have Freeview. Why is this? I promise that's the last question!!!

17-04-2005, 18:29	#9
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Quote: Originally Posted by Lizzybif Thanks a lot Chris for taking the time to explain it so clearly to me. I am still afraid to buy it in case I still get a 'flickering' picture! I was told that 'vhs recording significantly degrades the picture'. I suppose the only way around this would be to buy a DVD recorder but they are quite expensive. Hope you don't mind but I have another dumb question !!! You should you didn't need the DV-PF4E as you have Freeview. Why is this? I promise that's the last question!!! Videoplus only works with analogue channels. I think it may work with sky as well but not to sure. Freeview does not yet broadcast the data for videoplus recording, and as freeview is digital i prefare to record via freeview. The flickering you have, could be the scart leads your using. If they are the thin type, try the fat type, or gold.

17-04-2005, 19:11	#11
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	You got 2 scarts on your tv, freeview box & video/dvd. It would be best if you have, to get another scart cable. Scart1 freeview (this would be the rgb one), direct to tv (probably like it is now). Scart 2 freeview to vcr/video scart 1. Scart2 video to scart 2 on your tv. From your description, it sounds like you ain't using scart for freeview recording. Unless your tv as a scart 2 input selector. You using the normal lead which came with the vcr/dvd for recording?

17-04-2005, 19:22	#12
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	Right I know I'm being thick and you're being incredibly patient but from what you say I think I am 'missing' the scart lead coming from Freeview to the VCR? Should I get an 'ordinary' one or an RGB? I am using the cable which came with the VCR/DVD to record.

17-04-2005, 19:42	#13
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Quote: Originally Posted by Lizzybif Right I know I'm being thick and you're being incredibly patient but from what you say I think I am 'missing' the scart lead coming from Freeview to the VCR? Should I get an 'ordinary' one or an RGB? I am using the cable which came with the VCR/DVD to record. That might explain your flickering. Your using the standard RF cable which came with the video. It may be possible that your wires are touching, and causing inteference when recording. It would be best for you to use a scart lead and tune the video to one of the av channels, AV1 or AV2 or whatever (some are listed as E1 or L1. Most scart leads are now RGB - as long as they are fully wired, but VCR can only record in PAL/CVBS or whatever its called - unless your vcr has SVHS compatibility. The video converts the RGB to pal when recording, so doesn't matter which scart lead you get, thin, fat or gold its up to you. When using thin, its sometimes possible you will get interference on the picture itself, moving diagonal lines, picture over picture. Not always the case tho'. If you have a spare scart hanging round, try it first. I bought 3 gold scarts the other day, as i thought whilst new video will get new leads as well. The ones i got was on offer £3 each from woolworths. These are fully-wired rgb, and have had no problem with them. You may not need to replace the leads you have, just may need to buy the 1 scart. Depends upon what connections you have. How many scarts you got available, on the tv, video & freeview. The example i gave you, is 2 each.

17-04-2005, 19:45	#14
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	I have actually ordered a gold RGB Scart lead. I'm a bit lost as to where I should put it though and am afraid to ask you in case you tell me!!! LOL Think I may need to get someone to look at it who understands about these things!

17-04-2005, 19:49	#15
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Tell me what connections you have? Have a look at the back of your tv, vcr, & freeview box, and tell em how many scarts you have. If 2 each, use the method i mentioned above. Which scart did you order.

17-04-2005, 22:16	#16
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	I can't do that at the moment as I have arthritis and the TV etc is really heavy to pull out. I'll check when I feel a wee bit better. I orderered a 21 pin RGB Gold lead

17-04-2005, 22:21	#17
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Ok then, no problems there. Tells you in the manuals/books you get with the products, unless the dog as eaten them.

17-04-2005, 22:48	#18
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	In my case it's more likely that the cat peed on them!!!! LOL I'll get the manuals out and check in with you tomorrow. Night night

17-04-2005, 22:51	#19
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Quote: Originally Posted by Lizzybif In my case it's more likely that the cat peed on them!!!! LOL I'll get the manuals out and check in with you tomorrow. Night night Will be going soon myself. See you tomorrow then, but will be off & on, uni again tomorrow

18-04-2005, 14:34	#20
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	Hi Chris! Right I have my manuals! The Freeview box only has one scart and that has an RGB Lead going from it to the TV. The TV and VCR both have two scarts. At the moment the scart lead from Freeview is fitted into Ext2 and the VCR into Ext1 but the TV manual says that 'equipment delivering S-VHS signals should preferably be connected to Ext2.(My VCR is S-VHS) However, to complicate matters it says that 'equipment delivering RGB signals such as DVD Players should preferably be connected to Ext1' What happens when you have both together as in a combi? Pity there wasn't a smilie of someone pulling their hair out!!!! As far as I can see though everything seems to be connected alright though so don't know what could be causing the flipping flickering on the video? When I 'preview' the picture being recorded on the video channel it is ok and I take it this is what is being recorded so if the flickering occurs during the recording then it is the VCR which is at fault. You said that it didn't look like I was recording from Freeview but the electrical engineer tuned it in to the Video so I could record from it. Ext 1 is my video channel and Ext 2 shows Channel 5. Let me know what you think Chris if you can follow all this!!!!! Cheers Liz

18-04-2005, 15:10	#21
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Quote: Originally Posted by Lizzybif Hi Chris! Right I have my manuals! The Freeview box only has one scart and that has an RGB Lead going from it to the TV. The TV and VCR both have two scarts. At the moment the scart lead from Freeview is fitted into Ext2 and the VCR into Ext1 but the TV manual says that 'equipment delivering S-VHS signals should preferably be connected to Ext2.(My VCR is S-VHS) However, to complicate matters it says that 'equipment delivering RGB signals such as DVD Players should preferably be connected to Ext1' What happens when you have both together as in a combi? Pity there wasn't a smilie of someone pulling their hair out!!!! As far as I can see though everything seems to be connected alright though so don't know what could be causing the flipping flickering on the video? When I 'preview' the picture being recorded on the video channel it is ok and I take it this is what is being recorded so if the flickering occurs during the recording then it is the VCR which is at fault. You said that it didn't look like I was recording from Freeview but the electrical engineer tuned it in to the Video so I could record from it. Ext 1 is my video channel and Ext 2 shows Channel 5. Let me know what you think Chris if you can follow all this!!!!! Cheers Liz When i said not recording from freeview, i meant not using scart. The technician has connected your system, so that you are recording using RF - well that what it sounds like. What channel on your video is the freeview. You said when viewing the channel to record, you can't see any flickering. What channel is this. Is it av, ext, etc or channel 6 something like that. BBC1 would be 1, BBC2 2, itv1 3, ch4, 4 five 5, freeview 6 or 0. If its ext, av, etc, then your freeview is connected via scart. But from your description, frreview to tv ext1, unless your tv has a setting somewhere to switch the TV ext1 signal, then you can record using the scarts. You said ext2 shows five, is this normal five or freeview. Channel 6 or ext1

18-04-2005, 18:22	#22
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	Phew Chris what a lot of questions!!! Right Freeview is on Channel 5. The video channel is Ext 1 and there is no 'flickering' on this. Ext 2 is Freeview. Hope I've got that alright! I do actually wonder if it is the VCR which is at fault. Do you record TV programmes from your Hitachi and, if so, what kind of picture do you get? Liz

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Hitachi DV-PF5E (UK) DVD/VCR combi

18-04-2005, 18:50	#23
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Quote: Originally Posted by Lizzybif Phew Chris what a lot of questions!!! Right Freeview is on Channel 5. The video channel is Ext 1 and there is no 'flickering' on this. Ext 2 is Freeview. Hope I've got that alright! I do actually wonder if it is the VCR which is at fault. Do you record TV programmes from your Hitachi and, if so, what kind of picture do you get? Liz Yep, thats what i bought it for, to record programmes. I always record them direct from the freeview box. Clear picture & sound. You said freeview is on channel 5 - i assume this is the video. This would confirm that the freeview box isn't connected to video via scart. Your best method, would be to connect the video (scart 1) to ext1 on the tv, the 2nd scart on the video direct to freeview. This way you can record via the scart upon the video, rather than using the channel 5. The only problem - i'm not too sure as i've not got access to your video, unless your video has rgb on the second slot, is that the freeview may not be rgb if connected to 2nd scart slot on video. If the 2nd scart slot on video is rgb, then the freeview will be rgb.

18-04-2005, 19:23	#24
Lizzybif Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 235	Oh Chris sorry but you've lost me again! Channel 5 is my 'Freeview Channel' which I can access when the VCR is switched off. If I recorded from Scart rather than Channel 5 how could I programme the timer?

18-04-2005, 19:41	#25
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Quote: Originally Posted by Lizzybif Oh Chris sorry but you've lost me again! Channel 5 is my 'Freeview Channel' which I can access when the VCR is switched off. If I recorded from Scart rather than Channel 5 how could I programme the timer? Channel 5 is just showing the loopthrough of the freeview box. I'll try not to confuse you. That little thin aerial cable. Not all boxes have this option now. As your freeview box is connected to the tv already as ext1, your freeview should also be on av1 on your tv somewhere. Look at your tv remote, there should be a button listed as av. If you record through scart, you can still use the timer, instead of choosing channel 5, you would choose av1, or whatever channel your video uses. I can't really make it any more clear for you, so sorry if you can't follow.