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How to Record Cable TV With a VCR

Follow these basic steps to record digital TV on an old VCR

By Matthew Torres Matthew Torres Writer Texas State University-San Marcos Former Lifewire writer Matthew Torres is a journalist who writes about television technology, consumer support articles, and TV-related news. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on May 20, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email TV & Displays Samsung Projectors Antennas HDMI & Connections Remote Controls

What to Know

Equipment: Antenna, two-way splitter, DTV converter box, coaxial cable, RCA cables (yellow-red-white).Connect antenna to splitter with RCA cables > splitter to DTV converter > converter to VCR > VCR to TV set. This article explains how to record from a digital TV from a variety of manufacturers onto a VCR, and what equipment you'll need to do it.

What You Need to Record Digital TV on a VCR

Make sure you have the following before proceeding: Antenna Two-way splitter DTV converter box VCR Digital or high definition television Coaxial cable RCA video and audio cables (yellow-red-white cables)

Get Everything Connected

The connection process is fairly simple if you follow these instructions: Use a coaxial cable to connect the antenna output to the two-way splitter input. There is only one coaxial input on the splitter so don't get the input confused with the two outputs. Connect the other two coaxial cables to the outputs on the two-way splitter. Don't worry about connecting the other ends of the coaxial cable until step 4. Connect one of the coaxial cables from the splitter to the coaxial input on the DTV converter box. Connect the other coaxial cable from the splitter to the antenna input on the HDTV. Connect one end of the RCA video and audio cords to the matching colored outputs on the back of the DTV converter box. Once that is done, connect the other end of the same RCA cables to the same colored inputs on the back of the VCR. Get the other RCA video and audio cables and connect one end to the same colored output on the VCR. Next, connect the other end of the same RCA cable to the same colored inputs on the back of the HDTV.

Use a VCR to Watch One Channel and Record Another

This process is much easier with an HDTV than with an analog TV. First, you'll want to read about how to use a DTV converter box with a VCR. Once you learn about that process, then it's time to learn how to toggle back and forth between the VCR and your antenna signal. All you have to do to toggle between the VCR and antenna signal is to switch the video input on the HDTV. You're probably familiar with this "switching of video inputs" on an HDTV. If not, consult your TV's user manual to learn how to change your video input. You could also look on your remote for a button labeled, "Source," "Input," or "Video." Press it to open an input source menu or to toggle to a different input source. Do so until you get to the antenna or the VCR input. When you want broadcast TV in high definition, switch to the antenna input. When you want to record or watch a video on VHS then switch to the VCR's video input. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Can You Still Use an Analog TV? How to Troubleshoot Your DTV Converter Box How to Connect an Xbox One to a TV How to Improve Your Antenna for Better TV Reception How to Connect a DTV Converter Box to an Analog TV How to Set Up and Connect a Digital Antenna to Your TV Wii U: Finding a Good Location for the Console The Best DVD Recorders of 2022 How to Set Up a Home Theater System How to Connect a Subwoofer to a Receiver or Amplifier The 6 Best USB TV Tuners of 2022 Making TV-Band Radios Work With Digital TVs How to Connect Your TV to an External Audio System How to Make Wired Speakers Wireless How to Connect a TV and Modem to One Cable Outlet How to Transfer 8mm and Hi8 Video Tapes to DVD or VHS Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies