Q: I have a question regarding a column in which you answered a reader regarding whether it would be possible to continue using his VCR to time shift and record programs while watching another TV program at the same time, now that the TV broadcasts have switched to digital. You stated that he should update his VCR to one that has a digital tuner. I am wondering why he wouldn't be able to use a converter box?

A: A converter box can be used, but I did not think it was the best solution for this particular reader. It is a matter of connections, tuners and timers, as I will explain below.

I try to recommend the most seamless, easy to use solution as possible and in this case it was duplicating current functionality by adding a VCR/DVD combo that would work with the reader's HDTV and its antenna. The VCR/DVD recorder has a digital tuner and programmable timers that make it very easy to time shift as well as watch one program while recording another by using the TV/VCR button. It also will work for cable users since it has an ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuner. Many Comcast subscribers on the lower programming tiers can use it to record cable channels as well as digital channels that Comcast includes as part of its basic service.

You can use a converter box as you suggested, and I should have mentioned this as well while discussing the limitations. If you use a converter box, you must first make sure you have a converter box that has an event timer, such as a Dish Network DTVPal or a Zinwell ZAT-950A, a new model a reader referred to me. Using a splitter from the antenna, you run one line to the HDTV's antenna input and another to the converter box. Next, connect the converter box to the VCR using analog cables and set the VCR to record the line input or channel 3, depending on how the box is set.

When you want to record, you program the VCR and converter box to turn on and off at the exact same time so they record what you want. A separate connection from the VCR must be used to watch programming. Also please note that no matter what component you use, if you are recording high-def programs, they will play back in only standard definition.

Q: I recently purchased a Sylvania HDTV. I had Comcast cable at the time and had to use the TV remote to turn on and off the TV. Changing channels and volume were done by Verizon's remote.

I recently changed over to Verizon FIOS. Now I have to use the TV remote to turn the TV on and off and control the volume. I cannot find a code that will control the volume and the on-off for the TV. Verizon says it is Sylvania who makes the codes and Sylvania says it is Verizon. Who is correct, and is there any solution to my problem? Using two remotes is a pain.

A: Check your manuals and look for remote codes for Funai. One of them should work. Once-proud Sylvania is now just a nameplate, and Funai manufactures most TVs sold under the Sylvania name.