freeview clearer on builtin decoder than going into dvd recorder

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BurntToast

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#107404 10-Aug-2012 19:17

Hi All ,
I the signal going into a decoder , then going into my dvd hdd recorder then into my tv .
how can I get it better .
the signal is awesome . but its just a bit blurry when viewing the recorded show.
I am using a composite cable to get the signal from the decoder into the dvd recorder ( the recorder only has a HDMI out )
from the dvd recorder to the tv Im using a HDMI cable .
any ideas please

tomgeeknz

923 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 11

#670753 10-Aug-2012 19:23

The composite into the DVD recorder is most likely your problem, it is a SD (Standard Definition) signal, whereas HDMI and Component (3 RCA Plugs, red, green and blue) are HD (High Definition). Your source format (SD) will determine the quality of what you see, you only get what you give it.

B1GGLZ

1961 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 136

#670756 10-Aug-2012 19:28

Upgrade to a Freeview recorder.
The Freeview built-in TV produces HD picture and Surround sound (not all channels though).
The composite to DVD Recorder is only SD and Stereo sound so playback can't match the HD picture for video/audio quality.
Freeview recorders record in HD and Surround sound.

JimmyH

2898 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1554

#670759 10-Aug-2012 19:32

The image will only be as good as the weakest link in the chain. In your case, that's the standard definition composite connection between the DVD recorder and the decoder. The DVD recorder isn't magic, and if it's fed a poor signal then the recording it makes will be poor (*).

If the DVD recorder only has a composite input (which most do, I think my older model has a slightly better SVHS as well), then you won't be able to solve this without replacing the DVD recorder.

I assume that it is Freeview you want to record, since this is posted in the Freeview forum. If you are off a terrestrial signal, consider a Freeview capable DVD recorder. This will record the picture in HD to the hard drive, without the annoying degradation over composite. It will, however, only burn discs in SD if that's something you also want to do. The only way around this is either buy a blu-ray recorder, or build a HTPC. If you are off satellite, there isn't much more you can do - satellite signals are standard definition.

If you are recording the picture off a sky decoder then you are out of luck. Basically any signal other than standard definition is copy-protected, and you can't do anything about this - without using a computer and some fairly specialised kit for the recording.

* Note: However, that if the recorded picture is dramatically worse than a picture over composite should be, try a different set of cables. Composite isn't good, but crappy cables can make it much worse.

Jaxson

8172 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1332

Trusted

#670783 10-Aug-2012 20:29

B1GGLZ: Upgrade to a Freeview recorder.

Yeah, do this.

BurntToast

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#670930 11-Aug-2012 10:04

thanks guys , very informative .
will have to save up ahe ! cheers