An external tuner is never required to record to a VCR, but in some cases it can make the process easier. All but the very earliest models of VCR have an internal tuner and most later models are capable of receiving signal from cable channels. These VCR's have a coaxial cable antenna connection. You can also record to a VCR from another video playback device such as a DVD player or digital video camera. A monitor or TV is good to have so you can see what is being recorded, although it is not required.
Instructions
Recording Television Signal
1. Attach the antenna or cable TV coax cable to the "Antenna In" connector, which is usually located in the rear of the VCR. This will either be a "screw on" or a "push on" connector. The cable TV connection need not go through a cable tuning box unless your cable company scrambles its signal.
2. Turn on the VCR and use the VCR's channel selector to find the channel you wish to record.
3. Insert a blank VHS tape. You can use some smaller format tapes if you have the appropriate adapter.
4. Set the timer for your VCR if you are not recording immediately. The method for this varies widely for different models, so you will need to check your user's manual to find the appropriate method for your specific VCR.
5. Press the "Record" button or the "Play" and "Record" simultaneously to begin recording if you are not using the timer. Most VCRs use one of these two methods, but some models may require other actions to begin recording.
6. Press the "Stop" button when the recording is done. If you are using the timer, the VCR should stop recording as soon as the programmed time is finished.
Recording a Video Playback Device
7. Connect the Red/White/Yellow cable to the "Output" section of the video playback device. The connectors are color coded, so it is easy to match the cable pins with the appropriate receptacle. Sometimes the yellow video connection is slightly separated from the red and white audio connection.
8. Connect the other end of the Red/White/Yellow cable to the "Input" section of the VCR. This may be in the front, back or both of the VCR. If there are more than one possible connections, just choose one as they will all work the same.
9. Turn the power on for each device and select the appropriate mode. For the playback device, you may have to select something to indicate that the output is going to an external device. For the VCR, you may have to select something to indicate that it is recording from an external device. Some models of both devices will automatically detect the signal and require no action. The selection will vary depending on the type of device and the model, so check your user's guide if you are unsure.
10. Insert a blank VHS tape into the VCR and press "Record" or whatever buttons are required by your model to begin recording.
11. Press "Play," or whatever is necessary to start the playback on the video input device.
12. Press "Stop" on the playback device and then on the VCR to end recording.
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