Can you program a digital cable box to switch channels a pre-set times?

Question

I'm talking about a digital cable converter, not a DTA or a DVR. Can you set a program in a digital cable box so it will change channels at a certain time when the TV is off? I'm aware that only one channel can be recorded on a VCR at any time -- the one the cable box is tuned to. I read something that said you can program your cable box to switch channels, thus enabling the VCR to tape whatever channel you're tuned to. Is this correct?

Answer 1

If you have a Motorola box, yes you can. Find the program on the onscreen guide and select it with the remote.That will set a timer and the box will change the channel automatically. It will power-on the box as well, if you have it turned off.



The same process will probably work with a SA box as well



Since you specifically mention that the TV will be turned off, I won't assume that you are trying to watch one show while recording another. I wouldn't "Steer" you wrong! :)

Answer 2

You should call your cable provider and ask about that feature. I am not aware of it, but I've never tried to do that with my cable box.



What you can do is connect the VCR to the cable box via the RCA connections (composite connections). You will not be able to record any of the digital channels because it is not possible to watch one digital channel and record another at the same time--which is why you are trying to get the cable box to change channels at set times), but you can record any of the non-digital channels. These are the ones you would receive if you had not up-graded to the digital package.



You will not receive all the channels you do on your TV, but you can run through the VCR tuner to see what's available in this format.



That work around was successful a few years ago. Don't know about the current cable TV boxes, but you could give it a try.

Answer 3

No, a dta should be a possibility