VCR won't record
First of all, my vcr is model VH434. Your form below would not accept that but it is likely important to solving this problem.
We recently converted to digital cable. The tech guy hooked everything up, running the cable through the digital box to the vcr, then to the tv. We can view the tv through the vcr, but have been unable to record anything. The recorded section of the tape is blank, a black screen with an oscillating white band when fast forwarded. I was able to play back a tape recorded before our conversion, so the vcr playback function is still working.
I have checked the setup menu, re-run the channel search operation, set the vcr/tv button and tv/catv toggle both ways, and left power going to the digital box after turning the vcr and tv off. Any other suggestions? The model I own is not among those specifically listed on your site.
Thanks--
We recently converted to digital cable. The tech guy hooked everything up, running the cable through the digital box to the vcr, then to the tv. We can view the tv through the vcr, but have been unable to record anything. The recorded section of the tape is blank, a black screen with an oscillating white band when fast forwarded. I was able to play back a tape recorded before our conversion, so the vcr playback function is still working.
I have checked the setup menu, re-run the channel search operation, set the vcr/tv button and tv/catv toggle both ways, and left power going to the digital box after turning the vcr and tv off. Any other suggestions? The model I own is not among those specifically listed on your site.
Thanks--
Televison & Video - Quasar - VHQ400 VHS VCR
Answers & Comments
Check to make sure the cables on the VCR are hooked up correctly. If the in and out are reversed, this might cause your problem. Hopefully it's as simple as that. if not leave a comment and I'll get back to you.
Correct your VCR won't accept digital signals.
Digital cable means that the signals into the cable box are digital. Not the output. The output should be analog. Your TV wouldn't show pictures if the signal wasn't analog.
So with all your time and trouble shooting it appears the VCR heads are very dirty and maybe wearing out.
Hi Pat and Mary Jo,
It sounds like your VCR might be trying to record your line input instead of the TV channels and would explain a completely black recording.
The line input is where would connect a camcorder or another VCR, where you would play on one machine and record on your VCR.
Some models have a slide switch on the front that selects the input. Others let you select it from a menu option. Still others automatically select it when the appropriate cables are inserted into the line in connectors.
Let me know if that was it or not. Thanks,
-Vince
Oops, I missed the part about the digital cable. Your VCR will not record digital signals *directly* but it can record it depending on your converter box.
You said the digital cable was connected to a cable box, through your VCR, and then to your TV. Are you watching your digital cable by having your TV on channel 3 or channel 4? If yes, then your box is converting the digital signal to a standard TV channel. If this is the case, you should be able to record by setting your VCR to channel 3 or 4, whatever your TV is set to.
Additionally, if your digital cable box has a video and audio out jacks, then you should be able to connect your VCR to that and record that way.
Let me know if that helps. Thanks,
-Vince