Can I watch on my old tvs freeview with topbox/digital dvd recorder?

[tildakovach]

Hi everyone; I have 2 old tvs, one B&O = both excellent sound+pix;
The juxt of the question: by conncecting a new digital dvd recorder or freeview topbox, could I still use my old tube tvs? after all the dvd/top box would convert the signal?????
So, in detail:
If I buy a digital dvd recorder for each and connect them to each of the old tvs, would they work?
OR
Instead of buying dvd recorders just buy freeview topboxes +connecting one each to my old tvs: would they work?
OR
do I have to throw away completely my old tvs when digital comes in and buy new LCD/LED with built-in freeview and then get dvd recorders for recording?
many thanks for any replies, regards, t.k.

[VHG]

If your TVs have a SCART socket on the back then you will have no problem conecting a freeview box or DVD recorder.

You will then be able to watch digital TV or watch DVDs.

[Buenchico]

If your TV sets have got Scart sockets you can use them to watch Freeview by simply buying a cheap set-top box (for each set) for no more than £20 each. (If your TV sets are so old that they've not got Scart sockets there are theoretical ways around the problem but it's probably simpler to replace the TVs)

If you buy a basic DVD recorder, with a single built-in Freeview tuner, you can use it in the same way as set-top box but you'll only be able to record the channel which you're watching. (i.e. you won't be able to watch one channel while recording another).

If you buy a DVD recorder with twin tuners you'll be able to watch one channel while recording another.

Chris

[AlBags]

1. Will only work if they have integrated freeview.
2. Freeview boxes fine. Use the scart output o TV if you can (preferably with RGB)
3. You will need a Freeview PVR (That's a separate Freeview box with a recorder built in)

[tildakovach]

A BIIIIIG THANK YOU TO YOU ALL!!!
I meant to mark all as best answer, - but system would not let me, sorry!- for the simple reason that they all perfectly well and clearly solved my dilemma!!!!
Many thanks and all the best.
Wish a lovely holiday season for you all!!!
regards, tilda

[AlBags]

No problem .. Have funx

[mike11111]

I can't imagine an old cathode ray tube TV having a SCART socket, but I could be wrong

[AlBags]

Loads do Mike ..
My last TV before my plasma was a TOTR Sony widescreen .. that had 3x scart inputs. Most other late models do. Even 10 year old sets will probably have one.

[KARL]

Even if the TV does not have a SCART socket you may still be able to connect a Freeview box to it provided the set has the three "phono" or "RCA" sockets that are commonly coloured red, yellow and white. To try that out you need an adaptor from SCART to the three outlets (i.e. it is a small plastic block the size of a matchbox with SCART on one edge, the three on the other) together with the appropriate leads. There is generally no need to replace the TV set or the aerial, although the aerial may conceivably need to be realigned if the digital transmitter is not in the direction you used to pick analogue from. One freeview box will do many sets, so long as they are not being watched simultaneously - unless they are all connected to the box and then they will all receive the same station at the same time (the one the box is tuned to).

[tildakovach]

Hello Everybody; first of all many thanks for your answers - SUPER! :I did buy a Humax PVR 9300T- twin tuner: can watch one channel while recording on 2 channels simultenously!!!!! brilliant! connected to my old tv, - had 2 scarts - and works like magic.
For the B&O I bought a Hitachi video/dvd-recorder/HDD combo - not yet connected, it will have to go into a cupboard away from the tv-cabinet, so it is a big job. I shall report back how it works. Am very happy with the Humax one, - later when can afford will change both tvs as well.
thank you all for your letters. take care, have a nice Christmas and peaceful New Year! t.k.

[tildakovach]

Hi Karl, msge to you: thanks for the explanation, now I know what that connection is for the remote control in the cupboard. I hate seeing gadgets, all mine are hidden and to operate the tv and now the new Hitachi as well, I need one of these that relay my remote inside the cupboard in an other room! this gadget has loads of these conncections you describe - often wondered what they were for! Now I know! but luckily did not need one for my tv as both has scarts.
thank you, have a nice Christmas and New Year. t..