Problems with DVD Recording

[magoo22]

I have had on and off problems with recording shows with my DVD player. Sometimes I am able to record and sometimes I get a "Record Error" message that says " program is not recordable in +VR mode". This problem with recording comes and goes and is not restricted to one station. It has happened with all stations.  I called AT & T and asked them about this problem. The person I talked to told me that they do not block shows from being recorded and that he has never heard of this problem. He told me that I should be able to record any show with a DVD recorder.  He even suggested that maybe the problem was with my DVD recorder. I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this? My recorder is Magnavox.  Is it possible that there is a problem with my recorder and that is why I can't record sometimes? I don't want to buy a new recorder if that is not the problem.

For those who record that are not having problems, what brand DVD recorder do you use? 

Any thought or suggestion are welcome on this. I'm kind of frustrated with this issue and I'm not sure what direction to take.

Thanks

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

Try changing the aspect ratio of the dvr to 480 and then do a recording.  If the stb is set to 720 or higher there will be recording issues.  Try that and let us know.

[magoo22]

On my DVR the Aspect ration options are 4.3, Widescreen, 720p and 1080i.  Mine have always been set on 4.3 standard definion.

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

How are you connecting to the dvr?

[showtime48 ACE - Guru]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/archive/index.php/t-946026.html

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071125103237AAYnzcl

[magoo22]

To answer your question I have tried several different types of hook ups with my system.  None of them made any difference. Right now the cable from the wall goes into the back up the top box. There is a cable from the top box to the back of the dvr unit. Then a cable from the dvr unit to the the TV. Then there is those push in cables (not sure what the correct name is for these cables) from the top box to the dvr and one from the dvr to the TV. Trying different hook ups didn't make any difference.

What I find odd about this, today I might be able to record a show off of say chanel 166 and two days from now I get this error message. Then a week from now I will be able to record.  Right now I'm not able to record anything off of ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox. Just three days ago I was able to. 

[Will210]

Buy CopyThis by Sima Electronics Costs about $40.  And Buy 2 S-video Cables.  Hook The S-video Output from the Converter Box to The Sima Box and then hook then connect another S-video Cable from the other S-video Jack (S-Video Out) to the Dvd recorders S-video Input. 

I have 2 DVD recorders they are both Magnavox the first one is the VHS/DVD recorder combo MRV_700VR the second one which is probally the exact one you got which records in both DVD+R DVD+RW, -R and -RW Model MSR90 (something like that) and it does the trick.  Before that I could not record VOD, HBO, Cinemax, CNN, TBS, TBS-W, Disney, or HSN to name a few.  On my 700 It would say COPY PROT on the display.  On my MSR90 This program could not be copied in +VR mode but it would let my copy it on VHS tape wierd huh?

[bobz_1]

The only way I have been able to record on my DVD is to set the channel of the DVD to channel 3 and then the DVd receives whatever is coming out of the STB.  Anything else and I do not get a picture.

You should also check to see that your DVD input is set to "TV" and not set to "Input 1" or "Input 2"

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

---

magoo22 wrote:

To answer your question I have tried several different types of hook ups with my system.  None of them made any difference. Right now the cable from the wall goes into the back up the top box. There is a cable from the top box to the back of the dvr unit. Then a cable from the dvr unit to the the TV. Then there is those push in cables (not sure what the correct name is for these cables) from the top box to the dvr and one from the dvr to the TV. Trying different hook ups didn't make any difference.

What I find odd about this, today I might be able to record a show off of say chanel 166 and two days from now I get this error message. Then a week from now I will be able to record.  Right now I'm not able to record anything off of ABC, NBC, CBS or Fox. Just three days ago I was able to. 

---

This is the first time I have ever heard of an issue like this involving recording  using a dvd recorder.  All you should have to do is put your dvd recorder on channel 3 for east coast or 4 for west coast.  As stated in the post above this one, once the dvr is on channel 3 it should see the video coming from the stb, which you see.  Then all you should have to do is record the program.  Unless Uverse is rolling out another update, and this one to prohibit the recording of network broadcasts, then you shouldn't be seeing that message, but you are.  And even then it is not consistent.  Why don't you give ts a try?  Maybe they can help you get the issue resolved.  You may require a visit to your house by a tech.

[jsy_1]

This has happened to me too just this week Sept. 8, 2008. Last week I could record. Yes, it's not consistent. Sometimes I can record on CBS and NBC; never on ABC. Get different answers from everyone I've talked to. And it's not just movies, etc. It's everything. "Copying of this material is not allowed, Recording has stopped". I've tried every channel on U-Verse. About 75% will not let you burn a DVD. I'm sooo frustrated.
Yesterday I could not record ABC, WKYC CBS, NBC for example. Today, I can burn from all except ABC. I burn two shows a week for my son from the DVR, but can't burn them now. They are on WKYC and ABC.
I called Panasonic (DVD burner)and they said it has to be the stations blocking these channels. It's not because of the DVD burner. Why block everything on channels?
Anyone find out anything new or have a solution? Will probably just have to forget about burning a DVD from TV or DVR on most channels.
Very upsetting. Oh, none of these are premium channels either. I don't subscribe to them.

[jsy_1]

Sorry for all the different posts.  Just want to explain the trouble I've been having and looking for an answer. 

Sunday, I bought a new DVD recorder, Sony, to see if I could record from u-verse to a DVD. I was willing to try anything. Nope, same problem. Could not record from DVR or live TV. Now I have to return it. My son has Direct TV and had him try to record. No problem. Burned from DVR and live TV. I don't burn a DVD often, but if I want to keep a program, the only way is to keep it on the DVR. But if the DVR needs replaced, all my saved programs will be lost. Maybe should change to Direct TV. I called
u-verse tonight to see if they were blocking channels. Of course if they are, they wouldn't admit to it anyway. He said I shouldn't have been able to burn a DVD anyway. And that they don't give any support for this problem. He also did a search and could not find any other complaints as mine. I find it hard to believe that others aren't burning DVDs.
Eventually, all channels will be blocked, I'm sure. The error on the Sony is "this movie is copyrighted". I'm not trying to burn a movie. Everything on that channel/s is blocked. I was hopping so much that the new DVD recorder would work. No such luck. Must be the channels blocking all their content.

[jsy_1]

For the heck of it, I tried a DVD Ram. It worked. Burned from the u-verse DVR that the other discs would not burn.. No problem. I know these discs won't work in some DVD players, but know I can burn on these to play in the Panasonic. Haven't tried it in our other DVD player. I was shocked. Called Best Buy....they aren't selling them now. They are a lot more expensive...about $2 a disc, but can be recorded over.
I wonder if a DVD-RW (if there's such a thing)would work.
As for the DVD+R and DVD-R, still not able to burn like in the past. Hope this helps. But would still like to record DVD+R and DVD-R. Thanks!!!

[showtime48 ACE - Guru]

http://www.genesysdtp.com/

[JayCee1_1]

Don't Bother!!!  I have a Lite-On DVD recorder to record channels/movies from my DVR recorder, and.....NOTHING!!!  Won't let me do anything!!!  Good Luck with that!!!    There are such things as DVD-RW's.  They don't (or Didn't) work for me with my Lite-On.

[jsy_1]

Thanks you for your replies. I keep thinking there has to be a way to burn on a DVD.  Everyone I've asked hasn't heard of any problem doing this.  Eventually, DVD recorders will not be of any use.  I tried the Ram on another DVD player....message "your disc is dirty".  It's a new disc   I looked in the manual and Ram is not listed.  I tried it on my computer, and it played just fine and the quality was great. I was surprised.   Was thinking about taking my DVD recorder to my friend's house that has U-Verse to try.  She only has a VHS and it records on that fine. 

Like I said my son has Direct TV and has no problem.  But have just read that others are blocked from burning and are very upset about it too. 

Again, thank you for your replies. 

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

Can you take the ram dvd you recorded and make a copy of it to a dvd + or - dvdr?

[torgrot]

I would suggest you google "broadcast flag" and read up on it.

torgrot

[jsy_1]

I tried to copy the Ram last night on the computer...Copy DVD....but after a while, said it failed to read. 

Today, Best Buy suggested I replace the RCA cables with a coax so it goes through the DVD tuner.  I'm not good at this stuff, but tried it.  Don't think I did it right on the DVR.  Will try it again this evening.  All those cables just confuse me.

I'm on a mission only because not many have had this problem.  Thank you for your replies. 

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

Connect the coax to the output on the stb, then connect the other end to the antenna in or coax input on the dvd player.  Then connect the dvd player to your tv, using coax or the svhs cable.  Set the dvd tuner to channel 3 if you live on the eastern side of the U.S. or 4 if you live on the western side. I don't know if that will work, because in the past I used to get around the recording block issues using the component or composite outputs of the playback device.  I was wondering if your tv had a video output?  If it does connect the stb directly to your tv and then take the video output into the dvd recorder.

Message Edited by RCSMG on 09-16-2008 06:19 PM

[jsy_1]

Whew!  Going to print out your directions.  Looked at my TV manual (it's just a new tube TV) and it does have a Video output. 

Also has component which I am using, and going into DVR.  My Panasonic DVD recorder and TV have an S-video.  My son hooked everything up and it worked great.  I don't know if using the tuner (with coax) will solve my problem.  But I'm going to try your instructions (or better yet, my son whenever he comes over or my husband)  I just want to try anything to see if it will work.   

[spd2demun ACE - Master]

How did it go?

[jsy_1]

I'm nervous about changing all those cables.  Afraid I might mess everything up even worse.  Don't know why I have such a problem understanding all of this.  I did try using the coax from the DVR to the DVD.  Can't remember if that's when all I recorded was static and a white screen.  Or if I still got the "material cannot be coped.  Burning has stopped" message. 

I will try and change the TV connections next using the video output.  Before the U-Verse DVR box, I could copy anything onto the DVD recorder.  I was using Time Warner. I also would burn from VHS to DVD.  No problem. Was wondering if I should TRY and hook up the VCR, copy on that and then burn it to a DVD.  But would have to change all those cables.  Like I said,the U-Verse box has me comfused.  I should just forget U-Verse and go back toTime Warner or switch to Direct TV.  My son loves Direct TV.  But all I want to do is be able to burn like I could just a couple of weeks ago.  Wish U-Verse would be honest and tell me if they are blocking the channels for burning.

I have googled about everything pertaining to this.  Some say the stations are blocking from burning, others say it's U-Verse. 

I have talked to Best Buy about coming out and hooking it up a different way.  The salesman said it's $100 for them to come out and said they would hook it up correctly.  I asked if that included being able to burn a DVD without the message.  He said they would stay until it was completed correctly.  I might check into that again. But wonder if they are allowed to do this.

Oh boy, wish me luck either way.  I have been working on this for over two weeks.  And am at a "stand still".  Thank you!

[randyl]

---

jsy wrote:

I'm nervous about changing all those cables.  Afraid I might mess everything up even worse.  Don't know why I have such a problem understanding all of this.  I did try using the coax from the DVR to the DVD.  Can't remember if that's when all I recorded was static and a white screen.  Or if I still got the "material cannot be coped.  Burning has stopped" message. 

I will try and change the TV connections next using the video output.  Before the U-Verse DVR box, I could copy anything onto the DVD recorder.  I was using Time Warner. I also would burn from VHS to DVD.  No problem. Was wondering if I should TRY and hook up the VCR, copy on that and then burn it to a DVD.  But would have to change all those cables.  Like I said,the U-Verse box has me comfused.  I should just forget U-Verse and go back toTime Warner or switch to Direct TV.  My son loves Direct TV.  But all I want to do is be able to burn like I could just a couple of weeks ago.  Wish U-Verse would be honest and tell me if they are blocking the channels for burning.

I have googled about everything pertaining to this.  Some say the stations are blocking from burning, others say it's U-Verse. 

I have talked to Best Buy about coming out and hooking it up a different way.  The salesman said it's $100 for them to come out and said they would hook it up correctly.  I asked if that included being able to burn a DVD without the message.  He said they would stay until it was completed correctly.  I might check into that again. But wonder if they are allowed to do this.

Oh boy, wish me luck either way.  I have been working on this for over two weeks.  And am at a "stand still".  Thank you!

---

        one basic thing to make sure of is no hd (blue light) the dvr will need to be set to 480 for the recorder to record the show... (prolly repeat info)

        if u are running hd to a hd set u can reset it back to 720 or 1080i after u record what u want and go back to regular viewing......

        stb/dvr  component to tv    use the s-video to the dvd recorder  red white cables to tv and dvd recorder  or use coax to dvd (carrys sound and pic)

        note  coax only to a tv or recorder may have very low sound volume...  for best sound use red white cables for sound (better yet optical to avr__)

        some thoughts

        randy

[jsy_1]

Thanks everyone,

No blue light on DVR.  Just have a 24" tube TV, no HD.  Could you please tell me in/out from each device.  Sorry, but I need all the information I can get.  I'm afraid after I disconnect the cables, I won't be able to get them back in same order.  Wish I had your knowledge.  And hope changing the cables in some way will able me to record again and not get the message.  How can by changing the cables do that?  Thank you again.

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

If you pay to have your equipment wired correctly may not necessarily mean you will be able to record.  If ATT really doesn't know why this is happening, and they can, they will do something about it. 

[jsy_1]

I just got off the phone with ATT.  A very nice girl tried to walk me through it.  She said u-verse box out to TV in. TV out to DVD recorder out.  Had me unhook the component cables.  Now I have a black and white picture and no sound.  Have to redo it.

She said it would cost around $35 to have a tech come out and hook it up.  Would hate to pay that and still can't record.

She said I should be able to at least record from live TV, which I can't.  Also said she hasn't had any other calls pertaining to my problem.  But it worked like it should for about 3 months, then just quit.  So I can't imagine that the hook up was wrong.  Has to be the u-verse box or the stations blocking the burning.  This is getting to be funny!

Thanks for your reply.  Have to see what I've done wrong.

[RCSMG ACE - Master]

---

jsy wrote:

I just got off the phone with ATT.  A very nice girl tried to walk me through it.  She said u-verse box out to TV in. TV out to DVD recorder out.  Had me unhook the component cables.  Now I have a black and white picture and no sound.  Have to redo it.

She said it would cost around $35 to have a tech come out and hook it up.  Would hate to pay that and still can't record.

She said I should be able to at least record from live TV, which I can't.  Also said she hasn't had any other calls pertaining to my problem.  But it worked like it should for about 3 months, then just quit.  So I can't imagine that the hook up was wrong.  Has to be the u-verse box or the stations blocking the burning.  This is getting to be funny!

Thanks for your reply.  Have to see what I've done wrong.

---

That should be TV out to DVD recorder in.  How are you connecting from the stb to the tv?  If you can use component out from the stb (the red green and blue outputs) to the component inputs on the tv.  If you don't have component outputs then you can use the composite or svhs output from the stb to the composite or svhs input on the tv, and use the red and connect the white audio outputs from the stb to the red and whit audio inputs to the tv.  Then take the tv video and audio outputs from the tv into the dvd recorder.  In order to see what the dvd recorder is seeing and recording you will need to take the dvd recorder output into a different input on your tv.

Message Edited by RCSMG on 09-29-2008 04:51 PM

[jsy_1]

Well, I called ATT again last night.  Told him the situation.  He said he hasn't had any calls pertaing to this.  Said I could pay for a tech to hook it up, but isn't guarenteed that would solve my problem.  Then he noticed that my service was not right.  It had been freezing, but I've been concentrating on the recording thing more than the freezing.  He said he would send out a tech to fix the freezing problem and I could have him check out the hook-up.  Tech worked on it and still wouldn't record.  He called his supervisor and, of course, he said the channels were blocking copying onto a DVD.

 In fact, the way he hooked it up is worse than it was. 

RCSMG,   The ATT girl said U-verse box out to TV in.  TV out to DVD in.  I printed out your directions and will try this way.  Before the tech came, I would watch TV on Component the the DVD on AV1.  Now it's the opposite.  What a mess!

Question to all: 

Does anyone out there that has U-Verse have this problem? Can you burn from live TV or from the DVR? I have a Panasonic DVD recorder that's about 3 yrs. old.  I bought a Sony and it gave me the same message. Could not burn.  Guy at Radio Shack said he can burn without any problem.  How can he do this if the channels have been blocked but I can't?

Message Edited by jsy on 09-29-2008 06:17 PM

[hpmsrm]

Don't know if this will contribute to this thread or not but here goes.

About a year ago I purchased a device called "Dazzle".  It has inputs for composite video or svideo and stereo audio.  Output goes to to the USB-2 input on my computer.  I have it connected to the composite video output and stereo audio outputs on the non-DVR STB back in my computer room.  I have successfully recorded VOD movies from UV to my computer hard drive and then transferred them directly to DVD.  These DVD's successfully play back on our DVD player in the living room which is hooked up to our 55" HD set.  Of course this is not HD.  Perhaps, down the line, I'll be able to afford a Blue Ray drive for the computer.   Anyway.....this works for us in lieu of a dedicated DVD burner.  With the advent of THDVR I should be able to transfer programs or movies we've recorded on the living room DVR to DVD using this same setup.  Just some ideas for the discussion.

Phil

[jsy_1]

I checked out Dazzle's web site.  There's three to choose from.  Which one did you purchase?  Might be a dumb question, but my TV is about 12' away from my computer tower. Would that work?  And how do you get your shows to download onto your computer, from U-Verse online.  Sorry, but I just don't understand how this works.

And yes, your contribution helped. Thank you.