How can I record one show and watch another at the same time?

Question

I just switched to Charter digital and they hooked up a Motorola box. Now I can't tune anything through my VCR like I used to. The VCR must be set to 3 and channels must be changed through the cable box. I can only record what I am watching.

Answer 1

Pay $10 more and get DVR. You can record while watching TV, then record to VHS later.

Answer 2

Yeah, one of the great "advantages" of digital cable.

If you can get a second cable box from your Charter (tell them its for a second TV), you can split the signal before the set top boxes and feed each of them with a separate cable. But its a marginal solution. You still won't be able to do unattended recording.

The better solution is a dual-tuner DVR, either one from Charter, or a TiVo. The TiVo HD is great, but it's $250 and about $10/month.

Answer 3

You can try this.  The cable that runs to the Motorola box, split that and run the second line to your VCR. See if you can now tune in shows with your VCR's tuner.  If so, then use it that way.  

You will have to use some alternate method to feed your tv from your vcr since your tv will also still need to be fed by the motorola box for digital cable.

Answer 4

Or you can do this.... record the tv show you want then go to your girlfriends house and watch the other show with her (and you get to smooch also, a big bonus!)