HDMI to CVBS converter only work with blinking color

[Beej57]

I have a Sanyo tube TV and a Magnavox VHS/DVD RECORDER that I am trying to make work to record through a "basic" cable box that has only an HDMI connector. It's all set up, and I get a picture, but when the Source is "video" which I need it to be to record, the color blinks on and off really fast. I've tried different HDMI cables (2) and 2 RCA a/v cables to no avail. Can you tell me what I'm doing wrong? Would a better quality cable make any difference?

 

[americanaudiophile]

The HDMI output of your cable box has HDCP ( HD copyguard protection) and the converter will not remove it. That's why it won't work.
If your cable box has it's own analog or RF outputs you could use those.

 

[Beej57]

The cable box only has the "cable in" and "out to TV" outputs - both via coaxial cable. The only other connection is that HDMI connection. Thank you so much for your help. At least now I understand the problem.

So if I used a coaxial splitter, and then a coax cable from the splitter (which coax cable would have to be converted to RCA cables to go into the DVD Recorder) - would that work? Would any coax splitter do or do I need a special one? Thanks again for your answer.