(OTAFAN,(or any other) The question that I am asking is whether or not I can record one channel with *one* DVD/VCR combo/w *one* digital tuner while viewing another channel on an analog TV?. The other question was: Can I also program this same combo to record multiple over the air TV shows while away from home? (can it switch channels?). Please briefly discuss. You have said that you are trying to do this with a Magnavox *AND* a Phillips combo hooked up together. Why two? I don't understand.)
Yes, you CAN record one channel with one combo tuner while viewing another. I just did it last night. And you can program it to record multiple shows using the event timers. It will work just like the old ones did. That was the one dealmaker I insisted upon when I purchased mine.
As to your other question, I want to hook up two devices because a lot of the time I or someone else in the family wants to watch another tape or DVD at the same time something is being taped. For example, I might have time to watch a movie, but I only have time to see half of it, so I don't want to see it live. So I tape it. a few days later, I put the tape in to watch, but it is at the same time another show is on that I like, so I tape the show. Or it's Saturday night, and I like to watch NOVA, but since it is Saturday Night and the grandkids are over, we have to watch the latest DVD release of whatever the kids like to share with us. I suppose I could set up the TV in the guest room with a recorder, but I don't like a lot of clutter in that room. I don't have a lot of technology in my house, but this is how I like to watch TV. Besides, wouldn't it be cool to be able to tape "The Twilight Zone" as well as "Antiques Roadshow" while watching "Masterpiece Theatre"?
Anyway, that's what I want. But if I have to settle for just one machine, so be it. It will work just fine, I just can't tape one show and watch another tape or DVD.