HDMI, cable card, VCR question

[Mark0]

Is there a way to hook up my VCR to record digital channels (decoded by a cable card --which I like BTW)? Current path: Wall jack to antenna1 input, composite out to VCR.

It's my understanding my HDMI DVD (Philips DVP5900) being connected to the HDTV will disable my composite outputs to the VCR leaving me unable to record anything (thanks DRM). Am I gonna have to disconnect the HDMI connection to make this work.

Though I hate to discard a new DVD player (no composite output or TOSLINK) that's the way I'm leaning. Too bad because I really thought the HDMI picture out of the Philips rocked.

Any suggestions are appreciated. What would you do?

TIA,
Mark0

[Jonathan Kramer]

Is there a way to hook up my VCR to record digital channels (decoded by a cable card --which I like BTW)? Current path: Wall jack to antenna1 input, composite out to VCR.

It's my understanding my HDMI DVD (Philips DVP5900) being connected to the HDTV will disable my composite outputs to the VCR leaving me unable to record anything (thanks DRM). Am I gonna have to disconnect the HDMI connection to make this work.

Though I hate to discard a new DVD player (no composite output or TOSLINK) that's the way I'm leaning. Too bad because I really thought the HDMI picture out of the Philips rocked.

Any suggestions are appreciated. What would you do?

TIA,
Mark0Mark0,

You're not going to be satisfied with a hook-up via the CableCard/TV route. There are too many current-generation limitations to CableCard technology. Yes, HDMI will normally override composite, so that's likely a loser (worth trying, however).

Sorry.

jlk