activated DTA, and VCR recording no longer works

i have the same problem and i am really frustrated

It seems, that there is no way to use your VCR timer recording when you are using a DTA. All channel control is on the DTA, so the VCR is actually unable to select a channel and therefor unable to do timer record of shows you want to watch..

So set your DTA to the channel you want to record; then set the VCR timer to record only channel 3 (or 4).

That is the only solution I found? Anyone have other suggestion!

jacmgr is right. You've got to set the VCR timer to record channel 3 or 4, and then make sure the DTA is on the channel you want to record. Annoying, huh? This means you can't watch one channel while recording another channel. But the splitter thing might work -- I don't know.

I have the same problem. I have one of my VCRs hooked up to a frequently used TV and if the channel get's changed, there goes my taping. I did an online chat and the technician told me the Comcast would swap the unit to one with the 3 (red, yellow and white) outlets for free. He lied. When I called the local Comcast outlet they said it would cost an additional $6 a mont for each box. Does anyone know more about the splitter?

Fortunately I have 4 old analog TV sets that are still working great (with the installed DTA's which have actually improved the picture) and am not in need of purchasing an LCD or Plasma at this time. One TV is a 'stand alone'. One TV has a built in VCR. One TV has a built in VCR/DVD. My living room TV has a separate VCR/DVD player. If I am away and want to record more than 1, 2 or 3 different programs, I can do it separately on each of the 3 TVs that have the capability. I programmed each VCR with its own remote and set the date and time to record, and set the channel to record as "Channel 3". I then used the DTA remote to indicate the channel I wanted to record for the program I had set up. I set the timers, turned off the TV's and later checked to see if each had recorded properly.... and they did! At least this will get me by until I can afford to go out and update all my TV's! Fortunately, I'm thankful I have all these extra TV's or this current Comcast updating situation would have REALLY been a problem for me!

I am angry that Comcast neglected to mention the inability to record on VCR and watch something different at the same time with the DTA box - or that I would no longer be able to record multiple channels in one night. There does not seem to be any solution - just another basic feature they have complicated/ruined. This is progress ?

I still haven't found a solution to record on my VCR using the VCR timer function. Anyone who has figured it out, please tell us!! Thank you.

As I said above, Comcast told me I could do one timer recording at a time (but you can't watch another program on your TV at the same time). You have to do the timer recording with your VCR remote as you normally would, but set the channel you want to record as Channel 3. Then you have to use the DTA remote from Comcast and select the channel on it that you want to record. It must save it in the DTA's memory every time you punch a channel on that remote. So before you leave the house, or go to bed, make sure the last channel you punched on your DTA remote IS the channel for the date and time you entered in your VCR's timer memory. Don't forget to turn the timer on your VCR. Hope this helps. I know it worked for me. It's really a pain in the 'you know what'.... but what else can we do?

I had the same problem since I changed it Comcast digital, and called the customer support 2 times with no hope! and the answers were letting me call my VCR vendor, or upgrade to DVR box. Then I found the answer from the web. Please try this:

Click Menu from your setup box remote control
Select TV List
Choose the program you want to record
Click OK/Select
Choose R-"Record"
Click "Record To VCR"

You need to set both the DTA and VCR for the same time for the TV shows you like. DTA will be turnned on and swtich to the channel you set, and VCR needs to be set to channel 3. Of course, it won't work if you want to watch different channel when it's doing recording.

Hope this can help!

See the following reference URL:
http://www.comcast.com/Customers/FAQ/...

Adam, that solution will work for those of you with set-top Comcast boxes,
but not for those of us who still have the old analog TV sets with only expanded basic cable and have not as yet upgraded to one of their digital packages that have On Demand and HD, etc. The remotes that were provided to me with my DTA units are VERY simple and can only be used for channel selection, volume control and muting; but, since I have 3 analog TV's with VCR's, I can record one show on each of them and that will at least get me by for awhile! Or.... I can just start limiting my television viewing and find another 'hobby'.... like maybe EXERCISING?? lol

I too, am FRUSTRATED BEYOND BELIEF!!! I've made 6 phone calls to Comcast customer service and received 6 different useless answers to this problem.

I've hooked up their "wonderful digital" DTA box as instructed to my tv and to my vcr/dvd player. Although my tv is successfully working (the simple, little Comcast remote they provided is controlling the channels and the volume just fine), however, my vcr/dvd player has been rendered 100% USELESS!!!!

First, I learned that I'd no longer be able to do "timer recordings"- I'd only be able to record the shows I was actually watching ... umm, hello... why the heck would I need to record shows that I am already watching while I'm at home???? Have these Comcast people never heard of the concept of, you know, people having to go out to WORK for a living? That's how we make the money to pay for their delightful "service". As some have suggested on here, I was told I could set my tv in advance to the channel of the program that I wanted to record in the future and leave it like that so my vcr would record what I wanted when the time comes. As much as this ticked me off, I was willing to give it a try. However...

Then, I learned that when I turn on my vcr/dvd player with this new "wonderful digital" DTA box set up, I will not even get any picture at all on my tv!! I popped a vcr tape in and got audio sound only, but absolutely no picture at all- WHAT THE H-LL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????????????? This unacceptable result is the new and improved high technology that I get the pleasure of paying for???? I am soooo angry (obviously) and I believe that Comcast has done this to us all intentionally to force us into their more expensive (and unfortunately for me- unaffordable) options.

Now I get to choose between- A) never using my vcr/dvd player again, never being able to record anything that I am not available to watch live, and never renting another movie again since my dvd player will no longer work- rental membership money down the drain. Or- B) screw the new digital box, take the whole set up back to the way it was before this nightmare so that I can regain use of my vcr/dvd player and consequently lose a large majority of the channels which I am paying for in my bill every month. How is this even legal???

To Natalie: If Comcast wasn't doing an upgrade of their own services, we wouldn't be in this predicament and would have been able to continue on our merry way without having to do anything. The DTA boxes were ONLY required if we wanted to view channels above 29 in the future, and that's why we are having the issues we are having with being able to use our VCR's for recording multiple programs at our own choosing. However, you should be able to view your VHS tapes and DVD movies without a problem! I am able to do that just fine. I checked the Comcast services site, and it looks like we can get one of their DVR's (recorders) for an additional $8.95 a month (at least in my area) to be able to record 40 hours of TV programs at our choosing. They have us 'over a barrel', that's for sure. Welcome to the continuing world of technology. And let's face it, it's all in the name of making money!

Natalie.... see my reply up above. I had a problem doing a new one to you at the end of the comments section! Just another little frustration!!!

When I first tried to use my timer setting on my DVD/VCR unit that was hooked up to a TV with the DTA, all I got was snow. Really messed up my American Idol taping. I was so upset. After calls to my DVD/VCR manufacturer and to Comcast I came to the conclusion that the only way I could use the timer to tape or burn my DVD was to set the timer to channel 3 (rather than the station I wanted to record) and then make sure the DTA remote was set to the channel I wanted to record. This is going to be a real challenge when I go on vacation. I am fortunate to have several recorders so I am hoping that I can figure it out so I can record all one channel on each unit attached to my DTA TV's. Two of my VCRs are connected to TVs without the DTA so those are not a problem. The reception isn't as good but at least I can set the timer like usual for different channels. It's so frustrating. I hate giving up trying to find an answer, but, aside from paying more each month, this seems like the only "solution". Comcast has the upper hand in this so they don't have to do anything to make people happy. Until someone comes up with an alternate solution I doubt they will do anything for us. Good luck.

Natalie, I just put a tape in my VCR/DVD player and made sure my TV was set to Channel 3 and my VCR was set to Channel 3 also.... and guess what?? All I got was snow! I couldn't believe it... I had no problem doing it the other day. I fooled around with it for 10 minutes, and finally got it to work again. But do you think I can remember the exact steps I took?? You're absolutely right, the answer is NO! Now I'm back to TOTAL frustration. Tomorrow I'm going to start from scratch again, and write down all the steps I take (each time I go through the process) until I get it to work again. I'm thinking it will take half a day..... lol. Sorry to laugh, but at this point it's either THAT, or cry...... :(

Comcast DOES have the upper hand in this whole situation. They are advancing technology forward which always renders certain types of equipment being rendered USELESS in time, and that is ultimately what we are being faced with. I have over 200 tapes in my VHS collection (most of them 'keepers'). HOPEFULLY, I am not going to have to burn these tapes to DVD, which is going to cost a fortune..... let alone to now having to rent their DVR at an additional monthly cost (approx. $8.95 a month) in order to be able to record multiple programs at will. What a financial disaster for a lot of us. I thought that when I purchased my Panasonic VCR/DVD unit that it was a wise choice, giving me the best of both worlds (and it is less than 2 years old). If I also have to upgrade to a higher digital TV package with Comcast in order to rent their DVR I am REALLY going to be p*ssed.... AND they are going to know it (they will NOT care, but at least I will be able to VENT!)

Natalie, we should STILL be able to view our VHS tapes and DVD movies because, although difficult, I WAS able to do it on at least one occasion. I just can't remember HOW I did it..... grrrrr! But I will figure it out again, and when I do I will try to post the steps again for you.

Okay.... I was on the phone with a Comcast rep for over 1/2 hour this afternoon. I got the impression that Comcast is communicating with Motorola about the possibility of developing something that will resolve the issue of being able to record multiple programs through our own VCR's, but he didn't have much information about it at this time... could be awhile.

Also, I found out that my 'expanded basic cable' that is paid for through my condo association (Channels 2 through 67 approx.) at a cost of around $55 a month is now known as the "digital starter package" and comes with a free box that is automatically supplied with that package. I could have been having "on demand" etc., all along if I had known about it, but I was never notified and I had no clue. So, I'm going down to their office on Monday to get the "free" box.... additional ones, of course, are an additional $5.10 a month, so I'm only going to get the free one for my living room.

I also did a run-through with him on the phone about playing VHS tapes and DVD's in my player. He first made sure that all the connections to the DTA box, VCR, and TV were properly done (which mine were). He said that our TV's are automatically on Channel 3 no matter what channel we are watching with our little DTA remotes, so that is not an issue. Also, the VCR unit itself doesn't have to be on any particular channel. So, next step: With the TV set on, I then turned the power switch on (directly on the VCR/DVD unit itself). I then put a VHS tape in the player. He then told me to push 'play' and nothing happened. So (on my own) I then pushed the 'VCR/TV' button on the top of my Panasonic remote, and bingo, the tape started playing (picture & sound!). Hooray! I stopped and ejected it. I then put a DVD in my player, with the VCR still on, and it automatically started playing!

It appears that the "VCR/TV" switch on your remote control for your VCR/DVD player is the key to all of this. When I turned everything off, and then on again, I inserted a DVD into the player and nothing happened. When I hit the "VCR/TV" switch, the DVD started to play instantly. All I can say is that this is now working for me and I have written it down in case I forget the process. I HOPE this will work for you too!

I have been throught the same mess 3 times they(comcast) have been to my house-each one says something different and still nothing works and I have the monthly charge Digital receiver box and snow is the picture!!!

I'm no expert, but it sounds like it's working like it's supposed to... I have the same setup on my downstairs TV, but with a box, but my brother has a VCR with an a/b switch - I'm not sure how he set it up, but can watch one thing while the VCR tapes something else. He has to get up to switch something to go back and forth between them. I couldn't be bothered with that and I got a DVR. I watch one thing while something else tapes.

this is so frustrating. It's July and still no answers. They pulled a fast one on everyone.

One important thing to remember! All VCR's are different.
As for my frustrating experience with Comcast and their total control of our viewing pleasure, I did manage to figure out how to record programs - but, still not be able to watch a different one or have the VCR change channels to record other stations. Luckily I have a separate TV that I rarely watch so the Comcast cable box is connected to that one. As for recording, my solution proved to be this:
1. The incoming service cable is connected to the cable box. Connect the hard cables AND the 3 color-coded RCA cables to run from the cable box to the VCR, then [in my case] a hard cable from the VCR to the TV.
2. Turn on AND LEAVE ON, the Comcast cable box.
Set it for the channel on which the program runs that you want to tape, ex. TNT, Ch 37. You must leave the cable box on!
3. Turn on the VCR and press the VCR/TV button. You'll automatically get Ch 3 [or 4 in some areas.] Leave the VCR on Channel 3 [as in my case. Others have reported using Line 1. You press the Ch up/down button on the VCR to get the choices. Try both. Again, it depends on the make and model of your VCR. You have to test the system a few times using a few different variables before you hit the right one.]
4. Set up the recording time and channel on the VCR as you normally would. I have not yet tried VCR Plus - don't want to jinx the process!
5. Turn the TV and the VCR off.
6. Leave the Cable box on. It controls the incoming channels so you must leave it on. If you want to record a different station, you must change the cable box to that station and then reset the VCR to the time you wish to record your next program.
7. The VCR should automatically turn off when you set it to have the program(s) end.
8. To watch your taped program(s), turn off the cable box. Turn on the VCR and the TV to Ch 3. Press the VCR/TV button and then watch what you have recorded.
Unfortunately this singular channel recording is ridiculous, but there is no way around it at present. If you are away for a week, you must decide which is your absolute favorite program that you don't want to miss. Then get friends to tape the others for you!
I think we should start a class action suit against Comcast for controling our lives and pocketbooks!

Simone, that's fine in order to be able to record multiple programs on ONE channel only (and that was a good tip!). I, personally, have given up my fight with Comcast over this. I'm fortunate to have 4 TVs, with either built-in or stand-alone VCRs, so if I'm gone for an extended period of time I can usually record any shows on different channels that I may miss when I'm gone.

I solved the problem with a "splitter" and an "a-b switch". Total cost: $7.50. You will need a total of 5 coax cables. If you would like a sketch of the setup, please email me at: pcdoc@ascbiz.com.

ok, looks like comcast makes my VCR useless, is this the final conclusion in this forum ? The VCR cannot change channels on the DTA automatically, so recording multiple shows on different channels in advance is not possible. This is what I use the VCR for.
I think I will follow comcast and upgrade as well. I will cancel cable and go all internet.

Clearly this move is to make Comcast more money. This does not only effect folks with VCRs or DVD/VCR combo's, it also effects people who own Tivo Series 2, Replay TV DVRs and computer TV tuners/Media centers. So to get unattended timer recording on these devices, you are forced to pay Comcast for their DVR equipment or get a basic box with timer functions built in (you would have to set 2 timers for this to work). Computer tuners/media centers, just forget about it. There was no reason they could not design their DTA boxes to be a pass through system or they could have included a timer function in the box.

I say file a complaint with the FCC like i did, if you make enough noise the FCC will investigate and hopefully remedy this situation. You can file an online complaint here:

http://esupport.fcc.gov/complaints.htm

Please take a minute to file an online complaint. If anyone knows a lawyer/is a lawyer who would like to file a class action lawsuit, please get that all running. This would definitely be a landmark case.

Toy Lad..... excellent information! I, for one, will take your advice and contact the FCC. I hope MANY others will, aso! Since the transition, I have just given up watching a lot of my favorite TV shows due to frustration with this Comcast situation. You are right.... Comcast has 'scewed' us over!