I set up my first HDTV last night, a Sylvania LC420SS8. What I want to do is simply record what I'm watching on the TV (the digital signal). I really don't care if the recorded content is in HD, I just want to be able to record and watch it later (or, ideally, watch it while it's being recorded with my (non-HD, I think) DVR).

First question, can I do what I want with this TV? It seems to me I need some sort of output on the TV to send to the DVR; I don't think this TV has any video output? If that's the case, is that common for HDTVs? Is there a comparable 42" that has video output to make this work?

Question 2: Assuming this can be done, and I can output what I'm watching from the TV, can that signal be recorded on a non-HD device (like my DVR or a VCR)? Again, I don't require that it gets recorded in HD.

In my previous setup with an analog tube TV, I had the OTA signal going into a STB->DVR->TV. The STB obviously downconverted the signal into analog.

Thanks in advance for any help, and I apologize if these are easy questions. I searched the forums and my findings are telling me I cannot do what I want, but it seems like all of the threads were more concerned about recording in HD. It just seems like a simple request...can I record what I'm seeing on my TV?

As far as i know you are going to have to have something before the TV to actually record anything. This is also most likely going to have to be HD compatible as well.

I would think you have two options. Get a recording device that can do HD, or hook up a splitter so you can record the SD version of the channel on the DVR while you watch the HD version on your TV.

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, the more I thought about it, the more I came to that same conclusion. I was hoping I could get the STB out of the mix to use in another room, but I see that can't happen if I want to record.

You could get one of the new DVD recorders with an OTA ATSC tuner built in to record HD broadcasts to SD.

Other option is cable DVR or Sat DVR.

I set up my first HDTV last night, a Sylvania LC420SS8. What I want to do is simply record what I'm watching on the TV (the digital signal). I really don't care if the recorded content is in HD, I just want to be able to record and watch it later (or, ideally, watch it while it's being recorded with my (non-HD, I think) DVR).

First question, can I do what I want with this TV? It seems to me I need some sort of output on the TV to send to the DVR; I don't think this TV has any video output? If that's the case, is that common for HDTVs? Is there a comparable 42" that has video output to make this work?

Question 2: Assuming this can be done, and I can output what I'm watching from the TV, can that signal be recorded on a non-HD device (like my DVR or a VCR)? Again, I don't require that it gets recorded in HD.

In my previous setup with an analog tube TV, I had the OTA signal going into a STB->DVR->TV. The STB obviously downconverted the signal into analog.

Thanks in advance for any help, and I apologize if these are easy questions. I searched the forums and my findings are telling me I cannot do what I want, but it seems like all of the threads were more concerned about recording in HD. It just seems like a simple request...can I record what I'm seeing on my TV?

Not all HDTV sets have an analog Video output. My Samsung products (Tube Sets) do . It is very rare to see an lcd set with them. I have seen one, an Insignia 22" LCD was going to buy, but they were out of stock.The only bad part of recording from the tv is it has to be on when you do.Also I have found lots of cheap sets WITH analog video outputs. Some are out there you have to turn them around and look.

I purchased a DVD recorder from Wal Mart that records to DVDs and has a digital tuner. I use it to record from my satellite DVR (via s-video) with out the tuner but it can record OTA just as well. It is not HD but it is DVD quality widescreen. Mine is a Phillips DVD recorder and it cost about $168.

Rick R