Using the RCA inputs on TiVo for DVD/Games

[Classified]

Is there any way to use the RCA input ports on the back of the TiVo to hook up a DVD player, VCR or video game console? I would like to record 2 VCR tapes to the TiVo and get rid of the VCR altogether. And it is the only way I can think of to use a DVD player and xBox without buying more hardware.

My TV doesn't have any RCA inputs and I would have to buy an RF modulator and a switch if I can't get this to work out.

TiVo support page didn't really show it exactly the way I want to set it up.
http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv1030.htm?

Thanks.

[mbellot]

You can do it, but I think the XBox would be unplayable.

Tivo inserts a 1 - 2 second delay in the video stream in order to encode/decode the information.

It makes navigating DVD menus cumbersome as well, but its manageable. Playing games would be total frustration.

Check out your local Rat Shack, they have some decent audio/video switchers that include RF modulators - just be sure to bring your big bills, they aren't cheap ($40 and up).

[Classified]

Thanks for the info.

I should be able to record my VCR tapes then, correct?

I will then switch it so the VCR is connected directly to the TV and the TiVo is connected to one set of RCA inputs on the VCR, the video game console will be on the other set of RCA inputs on the VCR and it will use the VCR to switch. I think I will try and see if this works first.

[mbellot]

I should be able to record my VCR tapes then, correct?


Dunno. If they don't have any copyprotection (ie macrovision) it should be ok but I've never tried myself.

One thing...

Be sure you change the channel just before you start recording, otherwise you'll get everything in the video buffer as well.

[cojonesdetoro]

Tivo will record macrovision but will not remove the MV signal. if you subsequently try to record the "MV'ed" tivo recording, it will still be "MV'ed" and may not be recordable by a recorder.

BTW, not all DVDs and tapes have MV protection. Publishers have to pay a royalty so some small publishers don't copy protect their media with MV.

Also: I always record DVDs to my Tivo for easy viewing and to keep my kid from messing with original DVDs. I do it with a manual recording. If you practice a few times it's easy to time it right. You have to set it up so that a particular channel uses the video inputs. Search around here and you'll find how to do it. Search for "DVD" and "composite" and "input" and see how it goes.