VCRs and DVD recorders can still be used to record programs from digital TV.
Since the transition to digital TV, over-the-air local TV broadcasts on an analog TV can only be received when the TV has been hooked up to an ATSC converter box (more commonly referred to as a digital converter box). Digital TVs do not need to be hooked up to a converter box because they are already equipped with an internal digital (ATSC) tuner. However if you're using a digital TV and you want to record local over-the-air television programs, the VCR or DVD recorder recording device you're using must also have a digital tuner.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Review the specifications for the recording device you plan to use. These specifications should be listed in the owner's manual. Check to see what type of internal tuner the device is equipped with.
2. Contact the device manufacturer's customer service department if you can't find your owner's manual. Ask the customer service representative if the VCR or DVD recorder model you have is equipped with a digital or analog tuner.
3. Follow the steps in the "Connect Digital Converter Box and VCR or DVD Recorder to TV" section if the recording device is equipped with an internal analog (NTSC) tuner. Follow the steps in the "Connect VCR or DVD Recorder to TV" section if the recording device is equipped with an internal digital (ATSC) tuner.
Connect Digital Converter Box and VCR or DVD Recorder to TV
4. Connect the TV antenna's coaxial cable to the converter box's "RF In" nodule.
5. Use one set of A/V cables to connect the converter box's A/V output jacks to the corresponding A/V input jacks on the recording device. Remember, each individual A/V plug needs to match the color of the jack it's inserted into.
6. Take the remaining set of A/V cables and use it to connect the recording device's A/V output to the TV's A/V input.
7. Turn on the TV, converter box, and recording device. Use the "Input" button on the TV remote to set the TV's video input channel to the proper A/V source. Use the "Input" button on the recording device's remote to set the device's video input channel to the A/V source.
8. Press "Menu" on the converter box remote control. Locate and select the "Channel Scan" option to program the box to pick up the local TV channels.
Connect VCR or DVD Recorder to TV
9. Connect the TV antenna's coaxial cable to the recording device's "RF In" nodule.
10. Use one set of A/V cables to connect the recording device's A/V output jacks to the corresponding A/V input jacks on the TV set. Remember, each individual A/V plug needs to match the color of the jack it's inserted into.
11. Turn on the TV and recording device. Use the "Input" button on the TV remote to set the TV's video input channel to the proper A/V source.
12. Press "Menu" on the VCR or DVD recorder's remote. Locate and select the "Channel Setup" option. Execute an automatic channel scan to program the device to pick up the local TV channels.
Recording
13. Set the converter box to the channel broadcasting the program you want to record. If you're not using a converter box, set the VCR or DVD recorder to the channel broadcasting the program you want to record.
14. Load a blank tape or DVD-R disc into the recording device.
15. Press "Record" on the recording device when you're ready to begin recording. Press "Stop" when you're ready to end the recording.
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