Ok I'm convinced I want a Magnavox 2160 for my family room after they fix that "a" problem.

But my "on the wall" TV (sammy LN19A) only receives signals via the coax. The problem is there is a pocket door in the wall behind the TV so minimum space. Power & coax were run in conduits.

So I need a DVR with a TV/DVR button like those old VCRs. I read the Mag2160 is passthrough so only the cable signal is sent via coax.

I read somewhere one of the LG units had such a button. Which one is it? Are there any others?

Thanks

Frank

LG LRH-780/790 series and possibly other LG DVDRs.

For ~$20 you can add a RF modulator to convert any DVDRs composite output to RF channel 3 or 4. Places like Radio Shack and maybe even Walmart should have RF mods. otherwise most any combo (DVDR/VCR) will have a built in RF modulator with the TV/VCR button. Personally unless you need the VCR I'd just get the Maggy and a RF mod. Basically no DVDRs only contain a RF mod.
Walmart (http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_constraint=3944&ic=48_0&search_query=rf+modulator&Find.x=0&Find.y=0&Find=Find)
RS (http://www.radioshack.com/search/index.jsp?kwCatId=&kw=rf%20modulator&origkw=rf%20modulator&sr=1)

For ~$20 you can add a RF modulator to convert any DVDRs composite output to RF channel 3 or 4. Places like Radio Shack and maybe even Walmart should have RF mods. otherwise most any combo (DVDR/VCR) will have a built in RF modulator with the TV/VCR button. Personally unless you need the VCR I'd just get the Maggy and a RF mod. Basically no DVDRs only contain a RF mod.

I have Panasonic combo recorders that are able to switch between modulated and unmodulated RF outputs. I also have a Sylvania (Funai) ZV450SL8 combo recorder that has an unmodulated RF pass through. Other Funai combo recorders may have that same arrangement.

Ok I'm convinced I want a Magnavox 2160 for my family room after they fix that "a" problem.

But my "on the wall" TV (sammy LN19A) only receives signals via the coax. The problem is there is a pocket door in the wall behind the TV so minimum space. Power & coax were run in conduits.

So I need a DVR with a TV/DVR button like those old VCRs. I read the Mag2160 is passthrough so only the cable signal is sent via coax.

I read somewhere one of the LG units had such a button. Which one is it? Are there any others?

Thanks

Frank

I have a an old VCR I use for that purpose - it doesnt record anygood, but I simply run my Mag 2160 into it's line inputs then run coax from VCR to TV. Put the VCR to show the line input and TV to chan 3 to watch.

Saves $20 bucks for rf modulator (if you have the room for it and an old one laying around).

Rick

Yes that would work, as you noted if you have the room. Also note some older?? VCRs RF modulator will react to Macrovision even if you're not recording the signal. IOW if you're just using the line inputs of the VCR fed from the DVD player the VCRs CP circuits will think you're trying to record the signal and cause bright and dark flashing on the RF output.
Newer VCRs will not engage the CP circuits until you actually press REC on the VCR. The only way to really know is to actually try it first. A '97 Sammy VCR I had wouldn't allow Macrovision passthru while a newer(early '00) would until REC was pushed, then the signal would flash.

Thank you all for your quick and useful replies.

Wajo, I like the LG solution because it is most simple: one box, one switch. However LG DVDRs don't get very good ratings. Also they are not sold locally so returning could be a problem. I will look some more at these.

JJeff, in addition to the modulators you suggested I looked at the Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Philips-PH61159-RF-Modulator/dp/B0001GGXQI). It appears to switch automatically and I guess I can leave it on all the time. So it would be two boxes but one switch.

Digado, those combo recorders appear to do what I want but I need an HDD too.

Rickie, I have a old VCR setting right there now. It is a good way to get started but I think I prefer more simple.

I'll look at some more LGs and others. I appreciate your comments.

Frank

The Amazon RF mod. should work just fine.
I agree with you, LG DVDRs tend to have more issues than most DVDRs.
AFAIK there isn't a DVDR w/HDD and RF modulator currently or ever made, for sure one with a digital tuner. I think the Maggy with a external RF mod. would be your best option(that is after they get the finalizing issue resolved).

If there is a Family Dollar store near you, they carry a RCA RF converter for about $12. I have a few.

Big Lots carries one for $10, also.

For a bit more, WalMart carries a Phillips model with RCA audio output if you want to run that to a receiver.

As you might surmise, I own several old televisions.