How do you record digital channels on a Toshiba DVR3.

[Corkem]

We've just bought a Toshiba DVR3, a DVR - video combination recorder, we can record BBC1, 2, ITV1 and CH4, but can't work out how to record digital channels, the book doesn't explain this. We have a digital television. Please can anyone shed any light on this problem?

[LeMarchand]

This might seem a stupid question, but do you have Sky, Cable, Freeview or any other digital service? If so, the normal procedure is to connect your box to the SCART input on your recorder (normally labelled AV1) and record using that channel (AV1). If your decoder is built into your TV, there should be an output you can use.

Some recorders will link to your digital source and change the channels for you, but more commonly you have to set the source to the channel you want to record, and then record via AV1.

If you don't have Freeview or another sort of digital package, then you're stuck with the terrestrial analogue channels.

[Corkem]

Thanks LeMarchand, we had two leads in the wrong sockets at the back of the television, we can now record digital channels. But it now seems that we can't lock the digital channel while recording it, although the set up on the TV says we have, and watch analogue. It appears that we have to watch what we are recording, We can't believe that is so as with our old video we could record digital and watch analogue. Would appreciate any further comments you have.

[LeMarchand]

Assuming your digital source has a SCART output, I would try this set-up:

Connect your standard aerial socket to the Tosh's RF In, run a second length of co-ax from the Tosh's RF out to the aerial socket at the back of your TV. I assume (as it appears to contain a VCR, though it doesn't confirm on the official site) that the Tosh has an internal tuner. If so, you should be able to tune both the Tosh and your TV (unless you have some sort of expensive plasma jobbie that doesn't include a tuner) into the terrestrial channels. You will only be able to tune in the equipment with a tuner. As this suggestion will get complicated(!) if I go through all the options, I'll assume both have. If not, let me know and I'll happily suggest alternative set-ups!

Connect your digital source via SCART to the Tosh's AV2 socket, and run a second SCART cable from the Tosh's AV1 to the TV. If your TV has more than one SCART input, use AV1. Assuming I've got this right, you should be able to record digital (Channel AV2 on the Tosh) and watch analogue (Channels 1 to 5 on the TV). You should also be able to watch digital (Channel AV1 on your TV) and record analogue (1 to 5 on your Tosh).

If you have Adobe Reader, check out Diagram 2 here: http://www.cinemaxcables.net/cinemax.pdf . If you ignore the DVD player at the bottom of the pile, that sort of set up is what you need!

Hope this works, let me know if not!