I have the following setup via scart: Sony HXD890 -> Sky+ -> Sony CRT analogue TV so that I can archive programs from the sky+ to the Sony HDD. I also have an aerial connection into the digital input for freeview signals.

This works a treat for both recording from sky or freeview, however I have a couple of minor glitches that I can't seem to resolve - can anyone please help?

1. If I use the Sony 890 to record from freeview, I then can't use the sky box as it's all on the same SCART. Any way of getting round this, getting the sony to record in the background or something?

2. When I switch the sony 890 on, it always seems to 'tune' to the analogue signal from the TV (which is rubbish). I need to press the button in the bottom right of the 890 remote (screen with an arrow through) to get to either the freeview or sky input. Any way of changing this?

Many thanks in advance for your help!

what you have to do is work out if you need to record RGB from sky box

if you do not and happy with the quality from Skys VCR socket then connect

Sky TV scart to TV AV

Sky VCR scart to DVD REC

thats the way I have it and while people are obsessed with RGB feed through, sometimes you have to consider is it worth it? Sometimes you have to make it ' wife proof '

Hi, thanks for the reply.

I now have tv -> sky+ and sky+ "VCR" to DVD rec into line 1. The 'TV' scart on the DVD rec is now empty (and I haven't got a free scart on the TV to connect to it). Would this impact the quality of DVD playback in any way?

So recording freeview now doesn't stop me from watching sky, but as soon as I switch sky on, if the DVD recorder is on I lose the on screen display. I know that I can record sky on line 1, by hitting record, but I can't see the impact of my key presses to change the record quality or do quick timer etc. This is just a minor inconvenience, but would be nice if there is a way to get round it!

the quality of recording from the Sky box will slightly be inferior.......... but for ease of operation I think its worth the slight loss................. and how often do you really use it ??

you could switch off Skys SCART CONTROL which would stop the TV auto switching over the screen display

in picture settings in services in sky box

you will have to buy a shielded fully pinned scart from the DVD to TV and hopefully you have a TV with 2 RGB sockets or use component from DVD to TV ?

""If I use the Sony 890 to record from freeview, I then can't use the sky box as it's all on the same SCART. Any way of getting round this, getting the sony to record in the background or something? ""

You can get the unit to pass Sky through the unit see Notes Page. 37 of the manual.

During recording press Program + on the the recorder (SCART THRU appears on the display), to return press Program - (scart Norm appears on display).

Hope this helps.

Patrick
Last edited by pgnl : 02-01-2009 at 11:09

It's most important to follow the above advice - I made the mistake of assuming that pressing Programme + (channel up) on the remote did the same thing. It doesn't, which means you have to G.O.Y.A. to effect the through switching.

Hi guys
You seem very well informed on this Hdd so I hope you can help with another type of enquiry
I have just bought one to fit in with my Sony Bravia 32v 4000 and well pleased with it.
My problem is when I use the HDMI input. The logo at the top left on the screen is permanently on. how can I remove it TIA
Brikel

You need to elaborate, do you mean 'AV1', 'HDMI1' etc on the TV screen?? If it's the latter try pressing the 'i' or info button on the TV or the Recorder...

Patrick

Hi Patrick It was showing HDMI1
I have now solved it thanks After going round in circles for a bit (it was the button on the very top left of the remote )
cheers Brikel