DVD players and digital video recorders have gradually taken over the world of personal video entertainment. The device that started it all, the video cassette recorder, may be forgotten by some. Yet recording from your TV with a VCR remains one of the simplest and most efficient ways to record your favorite TV programs. A VCR will cost you much less than a DVR and the tapes can be used repeatedly.
Instructions
1. Connect the VCR to the TV. The TV must be connected to the VCR's input (IN) port to record. If you have cable TV, unhook the coaxial cable connecting the cable box to the TV at the TV end and connect it to the VCR's "IN" port. Connect the VCR's "OUT" port to the TV with another coaxial cable and plug the VCR in.
2. Set the channel on the VCR to the channel you will be recording. This will be default channel 3 or 4 depending on which channel the cable is set to.
3. Insert a recordable video cassette into the VCR. A blank cassette is better to use as there is no risk of an earlier recoding bleeding through. A previously recorded tape can be erased with an electromagnetic eraser that any electronics store should have.
4. Set the VCR's timer if you can't record the program in person. You must first set the VCR clock to the correct time. Then hit the "Timer Set" button on the VCR. Follow the on-screen directions to set the recording start and stop times. Press the "Timer" button, and the machine will automatically record during the set time.
5. Record the program manually if you are able to be there in person. Simply hit the "Record" button at the appropriate time (you may need to press "Record" and "Play" at the same time). You can pause the recording at any time with the "Pause" button and stop it completely when done with the "Stop" button.
Tags: coaxial cable, Timer button, video cassette