Need to record off FIOS using pre-digital TV VHS recorder. Is it possible?

atomicgirl · 2011-12-29T04:24:46+00:00

We're hooked up to FIOS and my parents want to be able to hook up an old VHS machine to the STB in order to record off it. Is this possible? I'm getting the sense that it might be a problem because the VHS is analog while the FIOS is digital. If they can't use the old VHS recorder for this very reason, would they have to…

jmw1950

The choices and methods to record from FiOS to VHS recorder vary depending upon the equipment that you have.

If you box has an RF output , you can simply go directly from the RF output( May be labled 'TO TV/VCR') on the Set Top Box to the Antenna input on the VCR. Tune the VCR to channel 3 or channel 4, and you will have your program.

That's the simplest, it is also the lowest quality video.

Next up is to use Composite video. You will need 2 sets of cables for that one, one Stereo Audio RCA cable (2 connectors on each end, one red, on white), and Video Cable (usually yellow RCA connectors). These run from the Audio outputs of the set top box (also marked red and white) to the AV input on your VHS recorder. If you are not using an HDMI cable from the STB to the TV, you will probably need to buy 2 'Y' cables so you can split the audio outputs so you can feed both the TV and the VCR.

The composite video goes from the yellow jack on the av input of the vcr. This provides a somewhat better quality video recording, and on many VHS recorders, this is the best available.

If you have an S-VHS recorder, or your VCR has an S-VHS AV input, you can replace the cable with the yellow connectors with an S-VHS cable, and plug it into the S-VHS jack on the Set Top Box, and the S-VHS input on your VCR. On some VCR you have to specifically select the S-VHS input on the AV input.

oldfashionedgal

I have a much older tv (pre 1990 with the push/pull button to turn on/off and knobs to change channels and volume)

in the bedroom and record from fios on my vcr with no problems.

I have to have a digital converter box from Verizon (not the big set top box).

The cable comes from the wall to the converter.

From the converter to the vcr.

From the vcr to the tv. All coaxial cables.

You have to leave the vcr and tv on channel 3 or whichever channel is blank.

Set the converter to the channel you want to record with the remote.

Leave the converter box on, the tv can be turned off, and the vcr set to record.

I have had no problems at all recording this way.

I cannpt record on the livingroom vcr with the set top box unless I leave the tv on.

With the tv off I get video but no sound.

So I watch in the livingroom and record another channel in the bedroom.

My older tv does have the coaxial connection.

I have another tv from the same year that has the screw connection.

Even with the coaxial adaptor I have not been able to get any picture or sound.

If you have that connector you should be fine and the converter box is

half the price of the set top box per month.

PJL

@tns wrote:
Should be able to do so using the composite or shvs connectors. Note some channels may use macrovision to try and make it impossible to get a decent recording.

Macrovision is a copy protection technique used for media (e.g. VHS tapes), not FiOS or other cable systems.

tns

@PJL wrote:
@tns wrote:
Should be able to do so using the composite or shvs connectors. Note some channels may use macrovision to try and make it impossible to get a decent recording.
Macrovision is a copy protection technique used for media (e.g. VHS tapes), not FiOS or other cable systems.

Some of the source providers may still be including macrovision. Not sure about Fios boxes but quoting from wikipedia

"More recently, through its acquisition of various digital entertainment technology companies and assets, Rovi began developing and marketing software components for enabling video playback in consumer devices. Rovi's home entertainment technologies are incorporated into the vast majority of all DVD players, digital cable/satellite Set-top boxes, Personal computers, Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) and Portable media player. Its portfolio of solutions includes content network capabilities, guidance technology, content protection, and entertainment metadata"