HD DVR/DVD recorder compatibility

musicmanelem · Post by **musicmanelem** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 12:14 pm

I have a wideopenwest HD DVR that connects to my 42 LCD by HDMI. I have a phillips DVD recorder also connected to my LCD by HDMI. When I connect my DVR to my DVD (RCA's) recorder I was getting a Copyright error that prevented them to work together. I found that when I disconnected the HDMI from the DVR to the tv that the DVD worked. I dont want to unplug the HDMI everytime I want to record. I can not stop the signal through the tv programming. What can I do?

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Thu Dec 27, 2007 10:23 pm

Use component analog instead of HDMI on the HD DVR.

jcook01 · Post by **jcook01** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 11:20 am

Need clarification on your problem. From what I can tell your RCA recorder does not have an HDMI input, only one output connected to your HDTV, correct.

If that's the case, I'm guessing your feeding SVideo from your DVR to your RCA DVD recorder but the HDMI path via the HDTV tells you that this is a no no due to digital rights management B.S.

If this is in fact what you're seeing one possible solution may be to install an HDMI switch between your components and your HDTV. I haven't had any real exeperience with a recorder refusing to copy on my system so I can't guarantee that this will work.

If you are feeding HDMI from the DVR directly into the RCA DVD recorder and you're seeing the error than yes you're going to have to resort to component or SVideo inputs rather than an HDMI input.

I did a search for an RCA DVD recorder, didn't find any with an HDMI input, found several with HDMI outputs. Which model do you have?

musicmanelem · Post by **musicmanelem** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 3:07 pm

Thanks. I ordered a HDMI Switch. Oricore SW515 3-to-1 HDMI Video Switch w/Remote & Cable for only $30! www.geeks.com Not sure about the quality but I will give it a try. Thanks for the help.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 7:04 pm

It sounded like the DVR is seeing the HDCP TV via the HDMI connection. Analog component would defeat that communication and leave you connected via an HD connection. Dunno how an HDMI switch would change that but good luck...

musicmanelem · Post by **musicmanelem** » Fri Dec 28, 2007 8:57 pm

My digital tv knowledge is not up to par but I thought that analog componet hookup does not produce the same resolution as HDMI.

akirby · Post by **akirby** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 7:29 pm

Component video can carry 480i/p, 720p and 1080i with no problem (not sure about 1080p). However, it does not offer digital copy protection like HDMI.

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Sat Dec 29, 2007 8:51 pm

They are pretty much equals in the real world; you would have to be picking some real nits to find a difference regardless of the theoretical advantages of keeping it in the digital domain.

jjkilleen · Post by **jjkilleen** » Sun Dec 30, 2007 11:29 am

If anyone can see a difference between HDMI and component, it's because of the difference in the processing and processors on both ends, rather than the technology of the two. I have my computer tuner connected to the SD output of my DVR so that I can record on my PC's drive, rather than the DVR's, when I want to archive or make DVDs. With HDMI connected, the DRM implementation causes problems. For example, if I'm time shifting, the DVR shuts off the SD outputs when it can't do the HDCP handshake because my TV is off, even if the show isn't copy protected. Until they start setting the HDCP flags and force me to implement HDMI, I'm sticking with component.

musicmanelem · Post by **musicmanelem** » Fri Jan 04, 2008 6:06 pm

I recieved an HDMI Switch. Oricore SW515 3-to-1 HDMI Video Switch w/Remote. I guess I didn't need it but it solves my lcd, hddvr and recordable dvd needs. Thanks for everyones help!