VideoPlus Not Working

Question:

I no longer seem to be able to record any programmes from BBC1, BBC2, ITV1, C4, C5 using videoplus on the VCR, but I can still watch said channels with the analogue output. Do you know if the videoplus capability has been de-activated?

I also use a Freeview digital box, but have never been able to record any programmes from any channel on that device. Don’t know if I’m doing something wrong, or if it’s just not possible.

From: Mark Lambert

Our Answer:

VideoPlus is a service that uses coded numbers from newspaper TV listings to allow for easy programming of video recorders. A VideoPlus number contains information on TV channel, programe date, start time and end time.

The VideoPlus system does not rely on signals sent from transmitters – If your video recorder is able to cope with VideoPlus, it can be used to programme the recorder regardless of signals from the TV transmitter.

Things to note:

VideoPlus relies on your video recorder being set up correctly. If a VideoPlus code will start BBC 1 recording at 3pm, then a) the video recorder must be set to the correct date and time, and b) must be tuned in to BBC1 correctly

Note that VideoPlus is not supported on Freeview.

If you’re looking to record from a digital TV service such as Freeview, you might want to consider getting a Freeview PVR – A set-top box with a hard-disk recorder built in. These use an Electronic Programme Guide, where you select a programme to be recorded from the on-screen guide. These also suppoer Series Link, so you don’t miss an episode of the TV show, and in some cases, can adapt to TV scheduling changes.

More on getting a PVR: PVR Hard Disk Recorders

An example of a digital TV Electronic Programme Guide

How to check whether  your VideoPlus is working:

If you think you have a problem with VideoPlus not working, there are a few things you can check:

1. Add a programme into your recording list using VideoPlus
2. Check the entry that has been added to your recording list – does it show the correct date, channel and start/finish time?
3. Once the recording time has passed, check what happened. Did the machine go into record? Did it record anything (such as a blank recording)?

These simple tests will help you to work out where the problem is.

Still having problems?

Add a comment outlining what happened when you tried the above steps. Also mention what make/model of recorder you have, and what channel / service you’re trying to record