recording is being blocked - more info needed

Hi! so, I had a thread where I was asking about this, but it has been marked as solved, although I would like some more info, so I am starting a new thread since it will not allow me to post in that other thread. This is the link to the other thread:

https://community.verizon.com/t5/Fios-TV/recording-is-being-blocked/m-p/1823899#M107714

To clarify, looking at the last reply I received, I do not have the FIOS mini box, but rather the FIOS One box, with two satellite boxes, since we have 3 TVs. Also, I have not tried every channel, so I know for sure it is only those 3 channels being blocked, but there could be others.

I looked at the advice in that last reply, and am now searching for the suggested solutions. First, I looked at this device, to fix what thought was possibly a HDCP (high-bandwidth digital content protection system) issue:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086JKRSW1/?coliid=I3FOS6VB4EMFX2&colid=2GP7GYG421IHV&ref_=list_c_wl_lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

But, after looking at the last reply, I have now searched and found this device:

https://www.amazon.com/CIMPLE-CO-Composite-Converter-Modulator/dp/B06XC9Y3VB/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.AIz7VbE8PxdG2R1lajB7_Z9rtNIfmDgk7za2MAwhLMBdt0JIgrnf_ANMQCHB-7x-umIdoANjrMkHkGefIVCwkzw4ROIoUGtcQd2cF1ffbZvwS-h6S2uCw3_7vdPktp0_EHqrHjVlDJnQRFgzsTd5fNStiXYw8iLpsr5bvHQqk5zlAPeXE0oNlxJL9NOiF2gHnFAdXRq7m0cCrigBizrISM0SGHpZ3qmctEfLR8Qcb3A.1_DNPGvhuglffr6-USYrk4TyZWC-iO97BozyV6jS5RA&dib_tag=se&keywords=rf+modulator+for+tv&qid=1755983156&sr=8-3

Is this what you think might help?

I truly appreciate your assistance in figuring this out!

Accepted answers

clem21

HDMI uses HDCP to prevent recording. Analog video used mostly Macrovision to prevent recording. I'm assuming that is what is being used here, but I may be wrong. You could run-arond Macrovision by passing the analog signal through a device like a format converter or even a distribution amplifier. It wasn't very advanced.

All comments

clem21

If you are using the red, white, yellow to connect the recorder, the first link would convert that (composite) to RF coaxial, which would then connect to the recorder instead of the RWY. You tune to recorder to channel 3 or 4 to watch the output of the converter. The satellite boxes you have are otherwise known as minis, and should have come with a 3/8 to RWY converter cable. You can not use both HDMI and RWY at the same time though. Do the satellite boxes look like this?

The adapter for RWY goes in the port on the left.

scififan1

Aha, you are correct - that is what the two extra boxes I have look like. And, looking at them more carefully, the one with the HDD DVR is using the 3/8 to RWY converter cable. Whenever it is recording, I have the cable box tuned to the channel in question, and know that I cannot change it, but that is not a problem. The point of recording is to time shift my viewing.

So, I know there are no guarantees, but do you think the device at the first link might be a work around for the problem I am having? I am just trying to understand what will work with my set up. I am most interested in the main cable box on my primary TV, not the mini.

Thanks for all your help!

clem21

So is your recorder hooked up to the Main (VMS) box or one of the minis? If it IS a copy protection issue the device on the first link MAY remove the copy protection if that is the issue. You can always send it back if that doesn't work. Just remember if you are using the mini, you can't have an HDMI cable plugged in at the same time as the RYW converter. HDMI takes priority over the other output.

scififan1

Hi! So, I have two recorders, and one is hooked up to the main TV, and the other to a secondary TV with a mini.

But your admonition about not having the converter plugged in at the same time as the HDMI cable is concerning. I am able to change the input source via the TV menu, so I am only using one source at a time, but if I understand you correctly, that is irrelevant; it is the mere act of being plugged in that is overriding the signal. Does this only apply to the minis, or if I get a converter for the main cable box, will it also apply there?

Thanks!