3 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
3 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Need A Comcast Cable DVR Expert

by Steven Wagenheim
2 replies
  • OFF TOPIC
    • |
Okay, here's the deal.

My old setup had to be taken apart because my DVD player died and the
repair department couldn't fix it. My old DVD player had a coaxial cable in.

My new one does not...and that's causing me major headaches.

Here's why.

Comcast Cable DVR gives you the option to record 2 shows at one time.

However, if there is a 3rd show you want to watch while those 2 are
recording, you're SOL.

I got around that by using a splitter to take my one cable in, converting
it to 2 cable ins and plugging the second cable in into the DVD player.

Can't do that anymore.

So, I need a box where I can plug the cable in into the box and have RCA
plugs coming out the other end to plug into the DVD player in order to
watch the 2nd signal through the DVD player.

I found this:

Coax Cable TV to RCA Video Audio Demodulator

But it's 8o bucks and just seems like overkill.

Does anybody know anything that is simpler, cheaper and will essentially
do the same thing.

I only need one coax in and 3 RCA outs (2 audio and 1 video)

I can't find anything that simple.

If I have to go with this solution I will, but it's almost as much as the
DVD player itself cost and I really hate to have to spend this much for
such simple functionality.

So...2 questions.

1. Will this solution actually do what I want it to do? It should, but just
want to make sure.

2. Is there a cheaper solution?

Thanks for your help.
  • Profile picture of the author myob
    1. It's simple. 2. There is a cheaper solution.
    You actually need a demodulator to make it work, though. I've seen these at Radio Shack for around 30 bucks.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[650109].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      Originally Posted by myob View Post

      1. It's simple. 2. There is a cheaper solution.
      You actually need a demodulator to make it work, though. I've seen these at Radio Shack for around 30 bucks.
      Thanks...um...could you elaborate a little? I'm technically challenged.
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[650141].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author myob
        You can't just split the signal; it will be too weak. You need a demodulator that will reduce the signal to video/audio that can then be amplified for splitting without loss of fidelity. The newer DVD players do not have a demodulator/amplifier.

        This should work for you and it's only about $30:
        RF Signal Modulator TV Video & Audio Converter Adapter

        Or go to Radio Shack. I found them to be very helpful technically rather than going to other electronics stores
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[650364].message }}
        • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
          Originally Posted by myob View Post

          You can't just split the signal; it will be too weak. You need a demodulator that will reduce the signal to video/audio that can then be amplified for splitting without loss of fidelity. The newer DVD players do not have a demodulator/amplifier.

          This should work for you and it's only about $30:
          RF Signal Modulator TV Video & Audio Converter Adapter

          Or go to Radio Shack. I found them to be very helpful technically rather than going to other electronics stores
          Well, I went to Radio Shack and they were about as helpful as a 2 year
          old at a college spelling bee.

          I did some research online on demodulators (there are tons of models)
          and the reviews are mixed. Some people love them, some say they're
          crap. I've yet to find one brand that has mostly positive reviews, at least
          for the cheaper models (between $9 and $15).

          Think link I found in my original post, will that do the job? I know it
          might be overkill, but I'd rather have something that I know is going to
          work than have to buy a new demodulator every year because the old
          one broke down.
          Signature
          {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[650406].message }}
          • Profile picture of the author myob
            I don't see any reason why the original product you found wouldn't work for you, although at 80 bucks definitely overkill to say the least. You just need a simple system that has compatible connectors and splitters. Try doing a search using your specific DVD brand or contact the manufacturer.
            {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[650421].message }}
            • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
              Originally Posted by myob View Post

              I don't see any reason why the original product you found wouldn't work for you, although at 80 bucks definitely overkill to say the least. You just need a simple system that has compatible connectors and splitters. Try doing a search using your specific DVD brand or contact the manufacturer.
              Paul, thanks. The Radio Shack RF modulator ($27) did the trick.

              It's a little convoluted having to switch between the Comcast Cable box
              and watching through the DVD player, but it works.

              I'm going to have to write out instructions for my wife because she's never
              going to be able to remember all this.

              It's not as easy as it used to be but it does work.

              Thanks again.
              Signature
              {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[654731].message }}

Trending Topics