Is it possible for me to hookup a Recordable DVD player to my DirectTV HD DVR (HR20) and burn the shows I have record onto DVD? The DirectTV guy wasn't sure but there has got to be away? Thanks in adavnce.

yes, run rca cable's from component out on the hr20 to the component in on the dvd recorder.

I have a non-HD version of the DirecTV DVR. In order to archive shows there is a Save to VCR or Record to VCR function you can choose. Haven't used it (I'm here researching DVD recorders!) but it is in the manual, which you can view online at DirecTV.com.

~ Fred

I have a non-HD version of the DirecTV DVR. In order to archive shows there is a Save to VCR or Record to VCR function you can choose. Haven't used it (I'm here researching DVD recorders!) but it is in the manual, which you can view online at DirecTV.com.

~ Fred
I heard somewhere that the HR20 will allow direct output to a VCR/DVD Recorder with having to use the archive function. Can anyone confirm this?

yes, run rca cable's from component out on the hr20 to the component in on the dvd recorder.

What DVD recorders have a component in? The ones I have seen only have S video in.

What DVD recorders have a component in? The ones I have seen only have S video in.

My Philips DVDR3400 has component input but it can only be 480i.

Jay

My Philips DVDR3400 has component input but it can only be 480i.

Jay

Philips mentioned above... Some Sonys... Polaroid DRM-2001G.

All component in @ 480i.

I heard somewhere that the HR20 will allow direct output to a VCR/DVD Recorder with having to use the archive function. Can anyone confirm this?

Umm, obviously it couldn't be done to a VCR. In *theory* it could be done to a DVD recorder, if they were sent the digital recording directly (similar to how you can move recordings between some Tivos -- though note you can't move recordings between Tivo/DVD recorders to then burn to DVD).. But nobody actually does it. You have to 'save to vcr' and record real time on the destination recorder.

Is it possible for me to hookup a Recordable DVD player to my DirectTV HD DVR (HR20) and burn the shows I have record onto DVD? The DirectTV guy wasn't sure but there has got to be away? Thanks in adavnce.

If your DirectTV DVR has line audio, and composite, or S-Vid outs, you can record with a DVDR. Either run them directly to one set of line inputs on your DVDR, or run them to an AV Receiver, and hook up your DVDR to the AVR as well, just as you would a VCR. Select your DVR on the AVR to record to the DVDR, with its line inputs.

I have a Panasonic DMR-EH75V DVR and I have it hooked to my new H20-100 D* receiver using the Composite, S-Video, and the Stereo R/L inputs. I haven't tried recording yet, but this connection did work with my older HTL-HD receiver, and it should work with the H20 also (all other connections weren't changed either and they all still work).

Stand alone DVRs can only be connected using S-Video or Composite connections due to legal (FCC - thanks to Hollywood paranoia) restrictions. My EH75V has both Component and HDMI outputs though (and does upconversion, too). Because of this restriction, you can only record in 480i format (SD), but it is DVD quality.

Similar situation. I've been able to record off the Directv R15 (SD DVR), except with one problem. The PQ is abysmal when run through the DVDR connection.

I have observed that the picture quality when the video signal is sent throught the DVDR is poor. If I switch to the satellite input (through a receiver), the PQ is much improved. Specifically, when run through the DVDR input, there is significant pixelation and ghosting effects. Not a pretty picture, and not one I like recording. This effect occurs during playback and viewing the live signal. I'm confused, as you'll see from my connection, the PQ should be improved through the DVDR.

Here is my connection
Components
Directv R15
Onkyo TX-304S
Panasonic DMR-ES25
Sharp LC 32DA5U (32" Aquos LCD)

Video Connection:
Coax--->Directv R15
R15---->Receiver (via composite video plug)
R15---->DVDR (via S-video)
Receiver---->TV (via composite video plug)
DMR---->TV (via component video)

Audio Connection:
R15--->DVDR (via stereo connection)
DVDR--->Receiver (via Digital Optical)
This requires that the DVDR is "on" all the time, but allows digital output from the receiver, and I do not have to change the receiver input when changing between satellite and DMR signals.

The composite connection is better! What could possibly be the problem with the SVHS/Component connection????
Thanks for the help in advance.

I've attached my new DVD recorded to the DIRECTV R15-300 using composite video and RF. Neither will allow the DVD recorder to record. The error I get is, "This program is not allowed to be recorded." It occurs with either prerecorded content from the DVR or live TV from the satellite. None of this is premium TV stuff (HBO, etc.) just straight TV channels.

Recording to an old VCR gives a slightly mangled video image on tape.

Is there some kind of copy protection on the R15?

It may be the DVD recorder. What is the brand and model?

Thanks JMas. I fixed the problem by simply resetting the receiver. I guess it was adding Macrovision (?) encoding when it wasn't supposed to be. I have verified that I can record direct from the satellite and will test recording from content previously recorded on the DVR this afternoon. I don't expect a problem, but then I never do! :)

The recorder is a Magnavox MSR90D6. Nothing special as far as I know.

The composite connection is better! What could possibly be the problem with the SVHS/Component connection????
You're receiving a composite signal and your magnavox is trying to separate the components (RGB) and apparently not doing a very good job...hard to do with any unit. Your composite output from the receiver and DVDR will be best with composite for tuner viewing. (In fact, I'd try composite all the way for the DVDR.)

Component output will show commercial DVDs played in the DVDR best since they're produced with component video, so no real problem sending those components to the TV as pure RGB.

If you're a purist, you can keep the Component connection from the DVDR just for playing DVDs, but you'd have to switch TV inputs...may not be worth the better PQ just for DVDs?

With my Pio 640, there is no diff. in quality using composite or component when viewing the tuner, recordings on the HDD or home video. I can only see improved quality when playing commercial DVDs over Component, but too lazy to switch inputs + don't play commercial DVDs that often.

Note: All this assumes you can't upconvert over Component and don't have HDMI! :)

Is it possible for me to hookup a Recordable DVD player to my DirectTV HD DVR (HR20) and burn the shows I have record onto DVD? The DirectTV guy wasn't sure but there has got to be a way? Thanks in adavnce.My Panasonic DVD recorder has been recording from the HR20 since May. I have S-Video and Composite Audio going from the HR20 to DVD recorder and component from the DVD recorder to the TV.

Note: Even though you can ony record in 480, you will still get a much better recorded picture from a 1080 program than a 480 one. Also, your locals upconvert 480 programs to quasi HD quality. So, you will also get a better picture from a 480 program shown on a HD local over the same 480 program shown on the standard local.

My Panasonic DVD recorder has been recording from the HR20 since May. I have S-Video and Composite Audio going from the HR20 to DVD recorder and component from the DVD recorder to the TV.

Note: Even though you can ony record in 480, you will still get a much better recorded picture from a 1080 program than a 480 one. Also, your locals upconvert 480 programs to quasi HD quality. So, you will also get a better picture from a 480 program shown on a HD local over the same 480 program shown on the standard local.

Which Panasonic model do you own? Have you been able to record premium content as well (HBO)?

Thanks

You're receiving a composite signal and your magnavox is trying to separate the components (RGB) and apparently not doing a very good job...hard to do with any unit. Your composite output from the receiver and DVDR will be best with composite for tuner viewing. (In fact, I'd try composite all the way for the DVDR.)etc...

Just FYI - the post you were quoting/responding to was from March - doubt the individual is reading the thread any longer (esp since they haven't posted to the DVD recorders forum for over two months) - but good info for other folks in any event.