Recording options

There is now a range of options for recording digital TV beyond the video casette recorder (VCR).

For the pros and cons of digital TV recorders, DVD recorders and VCRs, see recording kit choices.

For information and drawings on how to connect recording kit, see the Connection wizard.

Why can’t I record one TV channel while watching another?

So you have bought a set top box for digital TV and find if there are two programmes on digital channels, you can’t watch one and record the other on your VCR. The reason your old set up could do this was because it had two tuners that picked up the TV stations – one in the TV and one in the VCR. If you want the same versatility with digital, you need two digital tuners. The best thing to do is to use the set top box on a less used TV and replace it with a twin tuner digital TV recorder (also called a PVR) to connect to your main TV. See easiest to use digital TV recorders for our recommendations. Alternatively, you can save money by keeping one set top box for the TV and buying another for your VCR – clumsy solution though. If you plan to buy a new TV, it will have a built-in digital tuner (integrated digital TV) and also buy a recorder with a built-in digital tuner – though this is the costliest option it is the most versatile.