Recording movies on a VCR can seem confusing. Getting your equipment properly set up can be complicated. Fortunately, recording movies to tape is simpler than you may think. The most important task is to get your VCR properly connected to your other equipment. Since your VCR has its own receiver, it doesn't get its signal from the TV. Instead, it gets signals directly from the programming source.
Instructions
Record Live Movies on a VCR
1. Ensure that your VCR is properly connected to your satellite, cable or digital TV receiver box. Connect the receiver box directly to the VCR "Antenna In" connector using a coaxial cable. If you're receiving free over-the-air signals directly, connect a powered antenna to the VCR input. Connect the VCR's "Out" connector to the TV input using another coaxial cable.
2. Set the TV to the channel that you've selected using the switch on the back of your VCR. This is usually channel 3 or 4.
3. Set the VCR channel to the channel you wish to record if you are receiving over-the-air signals directly. If you're using a receiver box of any kind, tune the VCR to either channel 3 or 4, depending on which channel is set on the back. Use the remote for your satellite, cable or digital TV receiver to tune to the desired channel.
4. Ensure that the date and time are properly set on your VCR. Check the listings to see when your movie will be playing. Navigate the VCR menus to set a timer recording. Set the timer to start several minutes before the movie begins. Then set it to end several minutes after the movie ends. Insert a recordable tape into the VCR and rewind or fast forward it to the point that you'd like to begin recording. Turn your VCR off to set the timer.
Record from DVR to VCR
5. Ensure that your DVR is properly connected to your VCR. Tune the VCR to channel 3 or 4. Set your DVR to play back the recorded movie. When the VCR is turned on, the DVR recording should be visible on your TV. Pause the DVR playback. Rewind or fast forward the tape to the approximate point you want to start recording.
6. Press "Play" on your VCR remote. Play the tape, or search it backward or forward until it's at the desired spot. Pause the playback on your VCR and press the "Record" button.
7. Resume the playback on your DVR recording. When the beginning of the movie appears on your TV screen, press either the pause or play button on your VCR remote to begin recording.
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