Record shows airing on cable TV to VHS tapes using a VCR.
In order to set up your VCR to record TV programs from your cable box, you have to set up your VCR to receive your cable signals. Instead of sending the audio and video signal from your cable box directly to your television set, you have to send your cable signal to your VCR first before sending it to your TV. With this setup, you not only have the ability to watch cable programming on your TV, but you can also use your VCR to record your favorite programs.
Instructions
Hook Up the VCR to the Cable Box
1. Cut power to everything (your TV, VCR and cable box) before making any cord connections.
2. Use one of your coaxial cables to connect the RF output nodule on your cable box (usually labeled To TV or TV Out) to the RF input nodule on the back of your VCR. Alternatively you could also use a set of A/V cables to connect the RCA outputs on your cable box (the red, white, and yellow jacks) to the RCA inputs on your VCR. If you're using A/V cables, be sure to (when plugging the cables in) insert each A/V plug into the jack which matches its color.
3. Screw one end of your second coaxial cable to the RF output nodule on the back of your VCR. Screw the other end of the cable into the RF input nodule on the back of your television set. Alternatively you could also use a set of A/V cables to connect the RCA outputs on your VCR to the RCA inputs on your television set.
4. Turn on your TV, VCR, and cable box.
5. Set your television set to channel 3. Make sure that the channel switch on the back of your VCR is set to channel 3, and also set your VCR's reception channel to channel 3 (simply aim your VCR remote control at the VCR and press the number 3). If you're using A/V cables to connect your VCR to your TV, set your TV's video channel input to coincide with the video channel assigned to the RCA input jacks on your TV used in step 3. Many TV models offer an Input button on the TV's remote control which allows you to switch the television's video channel input setting.
Record TV from Cable to the VCR
6. Open your cable service's TV program guide. (There may be a Menu or Guide button on your cable remote control.)
7. Set the channel on your cable box to whatever channel is scheduled to broadcast the program you want to record.
8. Insert a blank VHS tape into your VCR. Set your desired recording speed.
9. Press Record on your VCR when you're ready to begin recording, and Stop when you're ready to end the recording.
