Abstract: The invention relates to a video recording apparatus (100) comprising a selection unit (101) for selecting between a first input (103) for receiving a first input signal and a second input (105) for receiving a second input signal of a different type. The first input signal is typically an analogue signal and the second input signal is a digital DV signal. The video recording apparatus (100) further comprises a first controller (129) for operating the video recording apparatus (100) in a first operating mode and a second controller (131) for operating in a second operating mode having different functionality. An input signal detector (127) detects if a signal is preesent on the second input and if so activates the second controller (131). Otherwise the first controller (129) is activated. Hence, the video recording apparatus (100) operates in different operating modes dependent on whether an input signal is detected on the second input (105).