Recording your favorite movies, concerts, and sports from WOWOW allows you to enjoy high-quality entertainment at your convenience. Whether you are a new subscriber or have recently upgraded your home theater equipment, the process of saving satellite broadcasts is straightforward once you understand the necessary hardware and settings. This guide provides a clear path to setting up your recording system and ensuring you never miss a broadcast.
Essential Requirements for Recording WOWOW
Before you begin, you must ensure that your equipment is properly configured to receive and decrypt the WOWOW signal. Because WOWOW is a premium satellite service, it uses encryption that requires specific hardware to access.
Compatible Hardware
To record WOWOW, you generally need one of the following setups:
- A Blu-ray or HDD Recorder: This is the most common method. The recorder must have a built-in BS digital tuner.
- A TV with Recording Capabilities: Many modern televisions allow you to record directly to an external USB hard drive.
- A B-CAS Card or ACAS Chip: This is the most important component. Your subscription is tied to the ID number of this card or chip.
Subscription Verification
It is important to note that the B-CAS card inside your recorder must be the one registered with WOWOW. If you have a B-CAS card in your TV and another in your recorder, only the one registered will be able to decrypt the signal for recording. If you want to record while watching another channel, ensure your recorder has multiple tuners and the correct card is active.
How to Record Using a Dedicated Recorder
Using a dedicated Blu-ray or Hard Disk Drive (HDD) recorder is the most reliable way to save programs. This method offers the most flexibility for editing and permanent storage.
Connecting the Satellite Cable
Ensure your satellite cable is connected to the “BS/CS Input” port on your recorder. If you are also connecting a TV, you should run a cable from the “BS/CS Output” port of the recorder to the input of the TV. This “daisy-chain” setup ensures both devices receive the satellite signal.
Using the Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
The easiest way to schedule a recording is through the Electronic Program Guide. Follow these steps:
- Press the Guide button on your recorder’s remote control.
- Navigate to the WOWOW channels (usually channels 191, 192, and 193).
- Highlight the program you wish to record.
- Press the Record or Enter button.
- Select “Timer Recording” to confirm the schedule.
Understanding Copy Protection Rules
When recording digital broadcasts in Japan, you must follow specific copyright protection rules. WOWOW typically applies a “Copy Once” or “Move Only” restriction to its content.
The “Copy Once” Rule
Most WOWOW programs are broadcast with a “Copy Once” signal. This means you can record the program to your recorder’s internal hard drive. However, you cannot make multiple copies of that recording. If you decide to move the recording to a Blu-ray disc to save space, the original file on the hard drive will be automatically deleted once the transfer is complete.
Recording Modes and Quality
When setting up your recording, you can often choose the image quality. For the best experience, use DR (Direct Record) mode. This saves the broadcast exactly as it is received, preserving the high-definition picture and 5.1 channel surround sound. If you are low on disk space, you can choose a compressed mode (like HG, HX, or HE), but this may reduce the visual quality of fast-moving scenes like sports or action movies.
Recording to an External USB Hard Drive
If you do not own a standalone recorder, you can often use an external USB hard drive connected directly to your TV. This is a cost-effective solution for many viewers.
Formatting the Drive
When you first connect a USB hard drive to your TV, the television will likely ask to format it. Be aware that formatting will erase all existing data on the drive. Additionally, most TVs use a unique encryption format, meaning the drive will only work with that specific television. You cannot unplug the drive and watch the recordings on a computer or a different TV.
Setting the Timer on a TV
The process for scheduling a recording on a TV is similar to using a recorder. Open the TV’s program guide, select the WOWOW show, and choose the record option. Ensure the TV is in standby mode or turned on when the program begins; if the TV is completely unplugged, the recording will fail.
Troubleshooting Common Recording Issues
Even with the right setup, you may occasionally encounter issues. Here are the most common problems and how to fix them.
The “Contract Required” Message
If your recording is a blank screen or displays an error message saying a contract is required, your B-CAS card may not be receiving the authorization signal. To fix this, tune your recorder to WOWOW Prime (Channel 191) and leave it on for about 15 to 30 minutes. This allows the satellite to send the “activation key” to your device.
Signal Loss During Bad Weather
Satellite signals can be interrupted by heavy rain or snow, a phenomenon known as “rain fade.” If your recording is blocky or cuts out, check the weather. Unfortunately, there is no way to recover lost data from a signal dropout, so it is always a good idea to check the rebroadcast schedule for programs you missed due to weather.
Insufficient Disk Space
If your hard drive is full, the recording will stop prematurely or fail to start. Regularly check your storage capacity. Many recorders allow you to set “Auto-Delete” for old programs, but it is safer to manually manage your library to ensure important shows are not lost.
Tips for Successful WOWOW Recording
To make the most of your subscription, consider these additional tips for a better recording experience:
- Check the Rebroadcast Schedule: WOWOW often repeats popular movies and episodes multiple times a month. If a recording fails, look for the next air date.
- Use High-Quality Discs: If you are archiving concerts or movies to Blu-ray, use reputable disc brands to avoid data degradation over time.
- Remote Recording: Many modern recorders offer smartphone apps that allow you to set recording timers while you are away from home. Ensure your recorder is connected to your home internet to use this feature.
Conclusion
Recording WOWOW programs is a simple process once you have your B-CAS card registered and your recorder properly connected. By utilizing the Electronic Program Guide and understanding the “Copy Once” rules, you can build a high-quality library of your favorite entertainment. Always remember to check your available disk space and signal strength before important broadcasts. For more helpful guides on managing your home media and navigating digital services, explore our other articles designed to simplify your everyday technology needs.