Please could someone advise how to connect my Samsung dvd/vcr player to my Samsung tv? (I have inetgrated freeview).
I have connected the dvd/vcr via a scart lead (av1) and I can record fine as long as the tv is switched on. When I set the timer to record and then switch the tv off all it records is 'no signal' and not being very technical I would really appreciate some help as I would like to record programes when I am out. Many thanks.

the tv might not output anything while it is in standby. or it might only output on a specific scart socket.
have you had a look at the user guide?

TBH trying to use an analog recorder to capture digital signals from a TV tuner is a real pain - what happens when you want to watch and record different digital channels?
You can sort of get round it if one of them is on analog at the moment but soon this will not be possible.

Best bet is to ditch the combi for recording (use it as a DVD or VHS player only) and get yourself a twin tuner digital hard drive record (PVR) - they are SOOOOOOOOO simple to use you will wonder why you ever messed about with tapes!

Rgds,
Scorp

OR just buy a really cheap freeview box, connect it straight up to the vcr, and just use this to record digital. they usually have timers on so it will switch over to the appropriate channel when it needs to. (this means you need to set the timer on the VCR and on the freeview box)

Scorpio is right about the PVRs, if you can afford the initial cost of one. Its much simpler to use.

Thank you all very much for your advice. Looks like I shall have to go and buy myself a PVR Scorpio. Hope they are not too expensive....

about 60 - 70 quid upwards. but thats only for cheap ones like asda own make, or digihome (basically all vestle clones)

but personally Id avoid the cheapo's and get something decent like a humax. (just going by reviews and posts ive read on this website)

Thanks r_mitchell85. I'm not too far from Maplins, so I'll have a look at what they've got. Will I be able to record one channel and watch another at the same time?

yes. as long as its a twin tuner model (which most are these days)

I've had a look at a few of the Humex models, could you recommend one that would be adequate for my needs? thank you