I think Argos still sell new VCRs for about 30 quid a pop.
Unfortunately she's going to have to go digital very soon though, so maybe worthwhile doing it now. New TV with built in digital freeview, plus a new VCR or DVD recorder would do the trick.
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>>New TV with built in digital freeview, plus a new VCR or DVD recorder would do the trick.>>
Actually it may just be better, if keeping the analogue TV, to buy a Freeview set top box and a VCR.
You would then use the set top box for the TV aerial input, connecting it by Scart leads to the VCR and the TV, with another Scart lead for the VCR to TV link; you would also need to use the STB and VCR's RF aerial input/output to carry the TV aerial's signal to the TV itself.
There would also be the need to tune the VCR to the Freeview box's output signal (usually L1 or L2). You won't, of course, be able to watch one Freeview programme and record another..:-(
So as Alanovich suggests a new integrated TV is probably the best outcome, but accompanied by a PVR rather than a VCR. You could then record one (two if it's a dual tuner PVR) programme and watch another using the TV's digital tuner.
Humax, which offers top class PVRs, sells some of its products at special prices:
www.humaxdirect.co.uk/
Main website at: www.humaxdigital.com/uk/
Edited by Stuartli on 24/09/2009 at 17:07
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Ask Perro, I expect he's the expert now. See IHAQ vol. 311: www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=78278
A dual tuner hard disc recorder should do the trick. It means she's ready for the digital switch over and can retain her old telly. I believe they're easy to use as well.
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>>A dual tuner hard disc recorder should do the trick>>
In other words, a PVR...:-)
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Yes, I'd go for the cheapo digihome PVR from eBuyer as previously discussed if they've still got any, however this may to be too much of a change in procedure from a VCR, it is for some folks. Plan B would be a VCR from Morrissons or whoever has them in stock at the moment.
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Is there such a thing as a VCR with a digital tuner? Because soon they won't be able to record anything apart from what comes out of a digital tuner of some sort (from an LCD TV, Freeview tuner, Cable or Satellite box).
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The only one I know of is a Daewoo one which you can't buy new any more and can't handle a split NIT so it's of very little use now anyway.
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>>Is there such a thing as a VCR with a digital tuner?>>
Only a PVR.
A Freeview set top box converts the digital transmissions into analogue, otherwise they couldn't be viewed on an analogue TV - hence the ability to record Freeview on a VCR using a set top box.
Integrated TVs still come with an analogue tuner so that VCRs and similar devices can continue to be used.
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Integrated TVs still come with an analogue tuner so that VCRs and similar devices can continue to be used.
?? The VCR will work fine on analgue without an iDTV,
I assume they flogged iDTVs with analogue tuners primarily for people buying before digital was available / dodgy coverge in their area, and people like me who distribute analogue RF round the house via co-ax.
Perro's recent challenge to record digital off his iDTV onto VCR via analogue SCART was successful in the final event IIRC.
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>>?? The VCR will work fine on analgue without an iDTV,>>
Don't know the reason for the question marks..:-)
A VCR's output can only be reproduced via an analogue tuner.
Incidentally, Panasonic's still only a few months old new Freesat compatible TVs have analogue, Freeview and Freesat tuners.
These were the first of their type (exclusive deal with Freesat for a time) and I assume that LG and other manufacturers who have now introduced them have a similar tuners lineup.
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>>?? The VCR will work fine on analgue without an iDTV >> Don't know the reason for the question marks..:-) A VCR's output can only be reproduced via an analogue tuner.
in terms of the RF then yes, but most(?) folks connect their VCR to the TV via SCART and watch via 'AV' or whatever. OK on a TV with no video inputs via SCART or phono then I agree you'd need an analogue RF tuner in the telly, but I doubt if such a beast exists.
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I connect my VCR, like most people, by Scart to an AV socket, but the voltage switchover from the Scart lead kicks the analogue tuner into action when the Play button is pressed...:-)
Normally I have to use the remote control to switch from digital to analogue transmissions.
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Sort of on topic it would be nice if it was possible to assign the AV inputs on TVs to 'normal' channel numbers like the RF channels; our 6 year old Philips CRT has 4 video inputs - presumably these fancy iDTVs have as many or more - and I'm the only person in the household who can cope with the concept of multiple AV inputs. I've had to train SWMBO and the kids to cycle the power on / off on the box they want to watch, hence flagging to the TV via the voltage on the SCART that it's the active input.
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>>>My 81 year old mum called me last night and said her ageing VCR has finally conked out<<<
The easiest option Dipstick, would be to buy mum another VCR which can be had for very little money, there was a Panasonic on Ebay for £10 earlier and they are usually bullet proof.
Another option, as already suggested is a PVR, also called a DVR ~ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_video_recorder
These are fairly simple to use, once you get used to them, and you get the Freeview channels with them as well, I did try a DVR from Ebuyer via Ebay ~ tinyurl.com/yan5nke
but I ended up sending it back because I couldn't get on with the hum that these units make, now I know that many people find the noise acceptable, and maybe my unit was just faulty, but from what I've read on other A/V forums - even the expensive one's like Humax can sometimes be noisy, so - I ended up buying a DVD recorder in the end, and haven't looked back!
I'll stick with the DVD as I'm well pleased with it, didn't cost be a lot mind, this is the same as my one ~ tinyurl.com/ydpxdyb but mine was a refurb Grade A.
A DVD recorder may be a tad tricky for your mum to operate though?
Lastly, I did try to use my ole Hitachi VCR to record Digital programs via my LCD TV but although I had excellent advice from our most knowledgeable backroomers, the recording via the totally Digital transmission in this area (S.W.) was quite poor + ya can't set the VCR's timer with a Freeview prog, so - VCR R.I.P.
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>>+ ya can't set the VCR's timer with a Freeview prog so - VCR R.I.P.
At least some Freeview boxes have a autoview / scheduling feature so you can set them up with a VCR to record programmes on a variety of channels - 'till the tape runs out anyway.
A whole lot easier just to use a HDD or DVD recorder though!
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I've had several ONDigital/ITVDigital/Freeview set top boxes over the last 11 years and all have had a menu based timer to enable external recording of chosen channels (similar layout to that of a VCR).
This is set to record the programme or programmes required and you then ensure that the VCR's timer matches the STB's time settings and avoid blank tape runs.
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On at least some VCRs, certainly my last Panasonic, you didn't have to set the VCR timer as well, the Freeview box can activate a recording via voltage switching on the SCART ( can't remember which pin ). The VCR had to be left on rather than in standby mind you. Not sure what percentage of VCRs this would work on.
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Another drawback with some (all?) DVD/HD kit is that, like my Sony, the EPG updates EVERY hour - chirp,chirp x3 - less than ideal in a bedroom.
Agree on the PVR, so long as she understands it will only record freeview stuff.
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Usually EPG information is sent out on-air overnight - if you leave a TV or set top box on Standby it will update as necessary or next time you switch the device on.
Doesn't seem right that it is updated every hour...:-)
>>Agree on the PVR, so long as she understands it will only record freeview stuff.>>
Many elderly people are quite happy with the five channels they currently receive on analogue TV and, of course, they are on Freeview with the same channel numbers.
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I think my digihome PVRs update the EPG daily at 3 a.m., same time as they check for new software updates. I haven't stayed up to check mind you.
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i have just given the wifes mother a tv and a digibox
i set the system up so that the tv is controlled by the digibox only including volume and threw the tv remote away
she now watches all channels via the digibox
the vcr which has its own coax input can easily be set up to record from 5 channels if she just pushes record on the appropiate channel
or give her a straight forward pvr with twin tuners ,old people arent daft they just need a bit of help in understanding things when booklets get complicated
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A Panasonic DMR-EZ45 or -EZ48 should do the trick - digital tuner and can record any freeview channel to either the DVD or VHS. Not much difference between models but I think the -EZ48 introduced HDMI upscaling.
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This DVR looks of interest, when it comes out next month ~ direct.tesco.com/q/R.206-1386.aspx
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Some fantastic ideas there everyone, and many thanks for all your replies. I'm seeing her tomorrow so will go through the options, assuming I can get a word in edgeways.
Having had a look for cheap replacement vcrs there's very little out there, so I'm now inclined towards the idea of a pvr (hope she can get Freeview signals!) and there are some good ideas in your suggestions, for which I'm grateful.
I bet as soon as I say "fan noise" she'll refuse the idea, even though she never hears me when I ask for money.
I'll close the loop here when it's closed, if you see what I mean.
Thanks folks.
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...This DVR looks of interest...
perro,
Thought you might have had enough of the darn things. :)
If this one goes into the shops, by looking at the casing you could probably work out if it has a fan or not.
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>>>Thought you might have had enough of the darn things. :)<<<
I know, I know ... I must be a glutton 4 punishment :-D
The PVR/DVR thingy is the ideal replacement really for the old VCR (IMO) but - I just couldn't be aving that hummmmmmmmmmmm!
On the other hand, this 4 year old Mesh computer has been humming away for, well - 4 years!!
Tell me i,i,h, how can ya tell if a PVR has/hasn't a fan by looking at the casing?
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..Tell me i,i,h, how can ya tell if a PVR has/hasn't a fan by looking at the casing?...
perro,
You may be able to see slots cut in the shape of a circle about two inches across, and possibly the blades of the fan behind.
I, like Focus, am mystified about your Digihome, because I am as certain as I can be my Digihome does not have a cooling fan.
Not that I would suggest you try another one, or you might be going round in the shape of a circle. :)
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Maybe the HDD was slightly loose and the vibration was making the case rattle.
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>>>Not that I would suggest you try another one, or you might be going round in the shape of a circle. :)<<<
Well, I,ve been doing that for years
Tis a shame really because it was only £40 which is amazing really!
As S/C says - it could have had something loose like the HDD although I did give it one or two thumps! well, it worked with my computer :-D The fan or HDD must have been blocked by 4 years of dog hairs, so on the recommendation of a friend, I gave it a clout ... it worked a treat!
I've been meaning to take the cover off & give it a good going over with the vacuum cleaner, but its been ok since then!
Coming from an engineering background (sort of) I've always been a great believer in ecky thump when something isn't working right :)
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I can see that's an each way bet in terms of recording media but ithe EZ48 costs as much as half a dozen digihome HDD recorders or a couple of 'refurb' Humax 9200s... In the spamcan household I'm the only one who dare touch the 'domesday machine' HDD/DVD/VHS combi, but anyone can drive the digihomes.
In terms of the fanless PVR challenge then maybe this thread helps ( a bit) :-
www.avforums.com/forums/pvrs-vcrs/691086-fanless-p...l
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>>>In terms of the fanless PVR challenge then maybe this thread helps<<<
I take it a 'humming hummy' is a Humax (hehe!)
They mention the Vestel PVR's, the T816 based models in particular which was available from Tesco, so perhaps the new? Technica range from Tesco will be oh so quiet.
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They mention the Vestel PVR's the T816 based models in particular
...like my digihome (80gb) - there's some disk noise which you notice when it starts/stops (eg. start/stop recording, look at the recorded programme list), but after that you don't notice it. No fan.
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>>>but after that you don't notice it. No fan.<<<
Yes, as you mentioned before Focus, mine must have been faulty then because it was a'humming all the time.
This critter could be a good buy ~ tinyurl.com/y9bx2va
Good bye!
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Yes as you mentioned before Focus
Sorry - you never know who's read what.
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She'll probably have some tapes she'd like to watch still, in which case a VCR/DVD combination could be quite useful. This will allow her to keep her old TV if it's got a freeview tuner in it.
However, a PVR *is* nice, with menus and programme guide - but she'll probably still want to archive stuff....
Whether the option of a 3-in-1 machine is available I don't know, *BUT*: Avoid any solution that needs several remote controls if at all possible. My own mother is confused by having a remote for the TV (Philips CRT, ghastly picture on analogue, fine on digital), another for the DVD player (I would not buy a simple player, a thing to record is necessary), and another for the PVR. It's a PITA.
Edited by FotheringtonThomas on 25/09/2009 at 13:49
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Whether the option of a 3-in-1 machine is available I don't know
My aforementioned 'domesday machine' is a 3 in 1, but it's fiddly to use, noisy and ballachingly slow. It's one of these:-
tinyurl.com/ycfwy2y
There's only 1 remote but it's got lots of little buttons :-/
The hum on the Vestels seems to be pot luck, both of mine are really quiet but Perro's wasn't. A cheap gamble though. My recent eBuyer purchases are both T825s.
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Funai - oh dear...:-(
Toshiba once re-badged a Funai model under its own name and regretted it very much.
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Yeah, from memory Argos were selling them for upwards of 150 quid 3 years ago, I'd be well annoyed by its clunkiness at that price. I paid 100 notes from Morgan Computers about 18 months ago, its main use is copying old VHS compliations to DVD and it's fine for that. In no way is it s substitute for a 'proper' PVR though - no Freeview for starters - although there is a newer Freeview version.
The only downside of the Vestels for me is the navigation of the EPG is a bit slow - oh and no recording padding in the current SW. Still nice and easy to use though.
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The Humax PVR has a wonderful remote, and a super friendly menu. Its the only remote we use. Does all you need in the way of day to day TV only function - IE Volume and Channel Changing is all done via the PVR.
Tho I know what you mean. A friend has an aged mother who only needs to press one of two buttons to turn on the TV. The stby button or a channel button. She still looks at the whole remote control in her hand as tho its a klingon phaser set on kill, and simply can not comprehend any of it, even two buttons, so cant turn it on.
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Tho I know what you mean. A friend has an aged mother who only needs to press one of two buttons to turn on the TV. The stby button or a channel button. She still looks at the whole remote control in her hand as tho its a klingon phaser set on kill and simply can not comprehend any of it even two buttons so cant turn it on.
Maybe the solution is to use a very simple universal / learning remote? I noticed some with just volume and channel change buttons on in the 99p shop the other day.
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1p cheaper than the ones in poundland ;-)
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Actually the cheap remote controls (costs more for a replacement battery than to buy a new remote) work quite well.
The other half used one for a while in hospital after the ward TV's remote control "walked"; it was again the 99p model, but the Poundland examples are just as good.
They just cost a bit more...:-)
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