Hi, all

This is my first post as a newbie, so am respectfully asking for advice.
I have Panasonic DMREX75 (with Freeview), and a Digital TV
with Freeview & slot for CAM/CI. These are connected via HDMI.
I am considering subscribing to Setanta, which would be received via the TV, so my question is -
Can I record Setanta to my Panasonic by using TV timer (I don't watch much Tv "live"); and if so, what is the best way to achieve this - minimum of cables preferably.
Also, if this is possible, can I watch a programme via the Panasonic box whilst it is recording from the TV?

Many thanks in advance if anyone can assist.

At present I cannot answer this question with certainty.

The conditional access module will only decode the Setanta feed.
It does not necessarily mean that the resultant decoded material is 'copy clear'.

If, as I suspect, the channel material is copy-protected then the DVDR will not permit you to copy it.


Additionally you would not be able to record it without an additional connection. HDMI is one way only - INTO the TV.

You would require a scart connection to feed out from the TV ... and the TV would probably have to be ON and tuned to the channel you wish to record. Not very satisfactory.

To know whether it is possible at all - You need to find out if Setanta is copy protected... and I will be very surprised if it is not.

The last part of your question is a NO.

Gavtech
Thanks very much for the advice - seems like I'm stymied then. I may still consider subscribing IF Setanta is not copy protected. Can anyone advise if this is the case? And if so, would it be possible to record from Tv to HDD via scart using TV timer with Tv in standby (rather than actually on)?
Many thanks

This last part is dependent on your TV's capabilities... and is a very rare feature.

It requires the TV to provide a power supply for the tuner when the TV is switched off, and some degree of control.

Check your TV manual to see if it has such features... but they are so rare I would not expect it to.

Thanks again, Gavtech - seems a lot of faffing, even if it could be achieved, which negates the simplicity aspect of recording which is the big attraction for me. Perhaps I should consider a DVD/HDD with a CI slot, Are these becoming more prevalent?
Regards

Sony have just recently released the '90 series of DVDR's [ 790 , 890, 990, 1090 - Bigger number = Bigger Hard disc ]

This series has a sister series with a 95 suffix - These have CAM slots. [ 795, 895, 995, 1095 ]

Details here: http://www.sony.co.uk/product/Compar...ls=RDR-HXD1095

Seems this is the way to go ...... IF I decide to take the plunge with Setanta.
Thanks once more for your excellent guidance, Gavtech.

Hi warwound


As far as i know, freeview tvs like from panasonic and sony allow the usage of AV2 to output the the channel your watching onto a recorder (vcr or dvd) aslong as you can set AV2 as a monitor output that will work.

But as gavtech stated you would have to see if you can record pay tv channels on freeview, you can for sure do the FTA stuff, i dont know if you can do this on the pana Lcd's but on the old panasonic freeview tube sets (the last ones they did) they had a timer feature to allow the tv to send a the signal from the tv onto a recorder, even when you were asleep.

Thanks for the contribution, tatty, I will give the subject some consideration. One other thought - if I went the route of getting a Recorder with CI slot, would I still not be sure I could record from Setanta?

I've just heard from another source who say they have recorded setanta without any problem.

Apparently it is only pay-per-view events that are copy protected.

Thanks Gavtech - if I decide to go with new recorder (with CI slot), i can now do so with confidence.
All advice has been much a**reciated. (Letter *ee on my keyboard has suddenly decided not to work) !!

Some of the models in the Panasonic LCD range definately have this feature, don't know if all do.

I was able to record with my Humax - mostly matches shown live from last season.

Thanks, gd49 & Elrazur.

Update:

Well, I decided to subscribe anyway, and I am able to record in the way suggested by Tatty - AV2 from Tv to Panasonic recorder. I have to leave Tv in standby (but not actually "on") and tuned to Setanta. Have recorded Live Footy fine. Only problem was last night - set to record "Midnight Goals" which was scheduled for 00:00.
Came to watch this morn, all that was recorded was blank screen with the "Encrypted" message. Puzzled by this, as no difficulty previously. Checked the listings and saw that "Midnight Goals" actually listed as a "Live" broadcast. As I set my timer to start 3 minutes early (at 23:57), could this be the cause, as the previous programme (Magners League) was not a "Live" broadcast. Could my recording have somehow been "locked in" to the non-live frequency?

Regards

you need a cheap PVR which can handle top up tv type channels like setanta so that you can record directly to its HDD leaving you frre to use your Panny DVDR and TV as you wish.

I know the thomson can do this but it may not be the most reliable box on the planet.

Rgds,
Scorp

What is wrong with Setanta and recording?

I have a Panasonic HDD - and I have no problems with any Sky channel and all the Setanta channels EXCEPT Setanta Sports 2 bizzarely.

I pay my subcriptions and its weird that I have NO problem recording all the other Setanta channels - but come Setanta sports 2 - cannot do anything.

I really need to tape Setanta 2 tommorrow.... normally I have used a VHS (yes, no problems taping Setanta on VHS) - but it seems like my VHS has decided to back in... how can I tape it?