We recently switched from Comcast to Verizon Fios for cable. My issue is now I cannot set my VCR's timer recorder to tape my shows. I have an older VCR, older TV (with coaxial input only), set up in the bedroom. I was able to time-record with Comcast by not using the STB and plugging the cable directly into the VCR, then outputting coaxial to TV. (We use the STB for full viewing pleasure on NEC plasma/home theater set-up in living room---thanks for all the AVS forum information I researched for that!). I was only able to record from the first 120 channels, because the VCR tuner only goes that high. It wasn't a real problem, because most of the shows I wanted were found in that range in the Comcast line-up.
Everything's changed with Verizon. I have scoured the forums and cannot find anyone else who seems to have these problems. Here's what I've tried and the problems I've encountered.
(1)The set-up: cable line> Motorola standard STB via coaxial to RF in> VCR> TV. Setting up timer to record the actual channels I want to record results in a fuzzy screen. With it this way, I can only set the timer to channel 3, turn the STB to the channel I want to record, and have it record the scheduled time period. Then I have to reset the STB channel to the next show I want to record and wait. Or manually set the STB channel and hit the record button when the show comes on.
This defeats the whole purpose of being able to use the timer to record shows automatically when they are scheduled to come on. Even if this first set up worked, I could only get 120 channels. The Verizon line-up has most of my favorite shows above that (SciFi channel, A&E, CSPAN, etc.). I know I cannot record the HD channels, which isn't my goal anyway---I just want my basic ones!
(2) When I set it all up like I had with Comcast (take STB out of equation), it didn't work at all. I only could get channels up to about 40 and couldn't watch the TV unless set to VCR.
(3)I then tried connecting the VCR to STB via composite, and connecting the STB to TV via coaxial. Another no-go.
Questions: Would any of the following approaches work? If not, what do I do now? I rarely, if ever, am able to watch TV in real time. I like to record on tapes because they are easy to then play back in my office/sewing room set-up of just a VCR hooked up to TV (I can multi-task while catching up on my programs).
a)Purchase a VCR or DVR/VCR combo without a tuner. Would I then be able to access the channels of the STB properly, and be able to set the timer, without the channel 3 nonsense? Do most/all VCR units only allow, at most, 8 recording events? How do I find out? This is information that is never put in product specs.
b)If a VCR or combo with a tuner will work, I would need one with a tuner that can access at least 200 or more channels. Do they make such a thing?
c)Am I missing something very basic to Verizon Fios that will allow this to work, but I haven't been able to find in the (inadequate) manual or in the menu? Or is this a grand conspiracy by the cable companies to get everyone to rent their DVR units?
d)I think I am resigned to the fact that no matter what method may work, I will not be able to watch a different channel on the TV when I am recording another. Unless...is there a split cable arrangement prior to the cable line going into the STB that would allow that?
I appreciate very much any help anyone can give. I cannot fathom that I cannot figure this out...I am hoping I have missed something very simple that will fix this dilemma I am in. And hopefully can get this worked before the new TV season starts!
Everything's changed with Verizon. I have scoured the forums and cannot find anyone else who seems to have these problems. Here's what I've tried and the problems I've encountered.
(1)The set-up: cable line> Motorola standard STB via coaxial to RF in> VCR> TV. Setting up timer to record the actual channels I want to record results in a fuzzy screen. With it this way, I can only set the timer to channel 3, turn the STB to the channel I want to record, and have it record the scheduled time period. Then I have to reset the STB channel to the next show I want to record and wait. Or manually set the STB channel and hit the record button when the show comes on.
This defeats the whole purpose of being able to use the timer to record shows automatically when they are scheduled to come on. Even if this first set up worked, I could only get 120 channels. The Verizon line-up has most of my favorite shows above that (SciFi channel, A&E, CSPAN, etc.). I know I cannot record the HD channels, which isn't my goal anyway---I just want my basic ones!
(2) When I set it all up like I had with Comcast (take STB out of equation), it didn't work at all. I only could get channels up to about 40 and couldn't watch the TV unless set to VCR.
(3)I then tried connecting the VCR to STB via composite, and connecting the STB to TV via coaxial. Another no-go.
Questions: Would any of the following approaches work? If not, what do I do now? I rarely, if ever, am able to watch TV in real time. I like to record on tapes because they are easy to then play back in my office/sewing room set-up of just a VCR hooked up to TV (I can multi-task while catching up on my programs).
a)Purchase a VCR or DVR/VCR combo without a tuner. Would I then be able to access the channels of the STB properly, and be able to set the timer, without the channel 3 nonsense? Do most/all VCR units only allow, at most, 8 recording events? How do I find out? This is information that is never put in product specs.
b)If a VCR or combo with a tuner will work, I would need one with a tuner that can access at least 200 or more channels. Do they make such a thing?
c)Am I missing something very basic to Verizon Fios that will allow this to work, but I haven't been able to find in the (inadequate) manual or in the menu? Or is this a grand conspiracy by the cable companies to get everyone to rent their DVR units?

d)I think I am resigned to the fact that no matter what method may work, I will not be able to watch a different channel on the TV when I am recording another. Unless...is there a split cable arrangement prior to the cable line going into the STB that would allow that?
I appreciate very much any help anyone can give. I cannot fathom that I cannot figure this out...I am hoping I have missed something very simple that will fix this dilemma I am in. And hopefully can get this worked before the new TV season starts!