For years, I have split my cable feed. One of the split ends went into Charter's cable box, the other directly into my VCR. Until recently, my VCR was capable of tuning into (and recording) almost any channel below 100. Now, only the channels from 70 and below are analog. Those above 70 were switched to digital which my VCR, of course, does not recognize. :(

I would like to record some of those digital channels (e.g., ch. 81), without having to feed it through Charter's cable box first. That allows me to watch a channel through the box, and record a different digital channel on the VCR at the same time. :)

Some of the converter boxes say: "This converter box is only for those people who have analog TV receivers that use free over-the-air antenna reception. If you receive TV from Cable, this box is not applicable."

Are there digital-to-analog converter boxes that will convert a digital cable signal that will work with my VCR? If so, what terminology do I look for when shopping for one?

Thanks much!

The only one I'm aware of that can receive any digital cable channels is Samsung's DTB-H260F, but even that will only work for unencrypted QAM digital streams - of which there are generally extremely few. I doubt most recently-moved channels will be unencrypted, and for the price you'd be looking at to get the Samsung, it wouldn't be worthwhile. Maybe you should try a DVR?

Thanks for the heads up, demonfoo ...

Actually, I do have a two-tuner HD DVR. Didn't mention it before cuz I didn't want to "muddy up" the issue too much.

As the months (and years) roll by, I suspect Charter will steal more and more of those analog channels in order to make room for digital, esp. HD.

Unfortunately, I am partially disabled and forced to spend a lot of time indoors. On occasion, the two DVR tuners are recording and I am interested in yet a 3rd cable-generated show airing at the same time. Thus my search for this converter box.

Guess I will need to brush up on "encrypted and unencrypted QAM digital streams." Or, get a 2nd DVR???? :D

Anything with a QAM tuner will snag the unencrypted digitals, be it a TV, DVD Recorder, or a standalone tuner (which are becoming hard to get.) I don't think any VCRs were made with QAM tuners, but I could certainly be wrong. Maybe some of the expensive DVHS models.

Encrypted means the cable company put a code on the channel to ensure that only their equipment can decrypt it. Which means renting their equipment (either a cable box or a cable card if you have anything with a card slot, like a TiVo HD.) If you live in the US, buying a box on eBay is a good way to throw money away on something that will be a paperweight after a few days (at the most.)

If you can borrow anything with a QAM tuner, you can find out what is unencrypted. Generally only the locals (the big network affiliates in your area) are required to be passed on unencrypted, but there may be some others.

Thanks for the heads up, demonfoo ...

Actually, I do have a two-tuner HD DVR. Didn't mention it before cuz I didn't want to "muddy up" the issue too much.

As the months (and years) roll by, I suspect Charter will steal more and more of those analog channels in order to make room for digital, esp. HD.

Unfortunately, I am partially disabled and forced to spend a lot of time indoors. On occasion, the two DVR tuners are recording and I am interested in yet a 3rd cable-generated show airing at the same time. Thus my search for this converter box.

Guess I will need to brush up on "encrypted and unencrypted QAM digital streams." Or, get a 2nd DVR???? :D
If your TV is a newer HDTV it may have a QAM tuner. Try connecting the cable directly to the TV and doing a channel scan if you are not sure.

Maybe some of the expensive DVHS models.

From what I understand, there was actually only one JVS D-VHS recorder that had an ATSC receiver, but I'm not sure if that included QAM support or not. Of course, with all D-VHS hardware being out of manufacture now, that won't be an easy acquisition to make.

Generally only the locals (the big network affiliates in your area) are required to be passed on unencrypted, but there may be some others.

In my area, Music Choice channels, and a few things like History Channel International and CNNI are unencrypted, but there was nothing that interested me on any of them. It seems to be only the dregs - stuff that doesn't need encrypting, because no one would bother to steal it. :)