Recording

Recording after switchover

With your TV already converted, existing analogue recorders (VCRs and analogue DVD recorders) will continue to work after switchover. They will play back tapes as before, but will not be able to record one digital channel while you are watching another. If you are buying a new DVD recorder, look for the digital tick logo to ensure it will work after switchover.

The simplest way to convert both your TV and recorder (e.g. to be able to record one digital channel while watching another) is to upgrade to a Digital TV Recorder (DTR) with two or more tuners (such as Freeview Playback, Sky+ or V+ from Virgin Media).

Remember - You need two digital tuners, one to watch and one to record

If you choose not to invest in new DTR equipment, you can convert your existing VCR or DVD recorder, by using an additional box. This can be difficult and you need to consider the number of mains sockets, remote controls and more complex timer recording.

Recording FAQs

• Will my Video/ DVD recorder still work once I get digital?
• Why won't I be able to view one channel while recording a different one?
• Can I used a switched scart box to watch one channel and record another?
• What will the help scheme provide?
• If I have Sky, what are my options for recording?
• Will my VideoPlus+ continue to work after switchover?
• What do I do if I want to record overnight or when I'm away from home?
• What are the benefits of having a digital TV recorder?

• Will my Video/ DVD recorder still work once I get digital?

  Your video/DVD recorder should continue to function after you have converted to digital. However, it will not allow you to record one channel whilst watching another.

  To do this you are advised to upgrade to a Digital Television Recorder (DTR) with two or more tuners. DTRs (e.g. Sky+, Freeview Playback or V+ from Virgin Media) which allow you to pause live TV, skip ads and record programme series at the touch of a button.

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• Why won't I be able to view one channel while recording a different one?

  You need two tuners to enjoy independent channel viewing and recording. Your current television has one and the video recorder has another. Digital Television Recorders have built-in memory storage to allow recording without tapes and DVD Recorder variants record to DVDs.

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• Can I used a switched scart box to watch one channel and record another?

  No, you must have two tuners. A switched scart box will not allow you to record one programme and watch another.

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• What will the help scheme provide?

  All eligible households will be entitled to a choice of basic options for receiving digital TV services, depending on what digital TV providers are available in their region. The basic option is a digital box which will give each household up to 40 TV channels. If eligible people wish to opt for other digital services or equipment (e.g. IDTVs or Digital TV recorders) they will receive a contribution of the equivalent value to the basic option.

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• If I have Sky, what are my options for recording?

  If you have Sky the best solution for recording is Sky+

  Another option is to add a set top box to your Sky package. If your television has a single scart you will need a box with an RF modulator.

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• Will my VideoPlus+ continue to work after switchover?

  You can connect a digital box to your existing TV and VideoPlus+ recorder using a scart cable. VideoPlus+ can still be used to set recording start and finish times.

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• What do I do if I want to record overnight or when I'm away from home?

  As long as you don't want to watch another channel while you record then you can use your existing recording equipment with a converted television.

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• What are the benefits of having a digital TV recorder?

  The main benefit is that you can watch one channel whilst recording another. 'Twin tuner' models offer a one-box solution to convert both your TV and recorder.

  Other benefits include timed recording using the electronic programme guide. Using the DTR remote control, highlight and select which programme to record and the machine will automatically set start and finish times. 'Series link' also lets you record a whole series and you can pause and rewind live TV.

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