How to Hook up a VCR through DIRECTV Plus DVR

The DIRECTV Plus DVR is a great piece of technology that uses multiple cable lines to let you record and watch two shows at the same time. The DVR has advanced features that let you only press a couple of buttons and a whole season can be recorded. With all of these advanced features, you still may want to connect your VCR to the DIRECTV, whether to watch old VHS tapes or home movies, or record a backup copy on a permanent piece of tape.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• 2 Coaxial Cables

1. Place the DIRECTV Plus DVR and your VCR close together. This will allow less confusion and unnecessary cord tangling all over the back of your entertainment center. The best place to put them is above the TV.
2. Connect the two incoming coaxial cables from your satellite into the DIRECTV Plus DVR. They go into the section that is labeled “Satellite In” and featured on the far left side of the receiver box.
3. Twist the cables on as tight as you can so that you do not have a loose connection and lose service or bend the needles.
4. Take a short coaxial cable and attach it to the cable port that is labeled “Out to TV”. This is right below the cable port that is labeled “Off-Air Antenna” so make sure that you do not hook the Coaxial cable into the wrong port.
5. Take the other end of the short coaxial cable and plug it into the “Antenna In” port found on your VCR. This may also be labeled “Cable In” or have another similar name.
6. Connect another short Coaxial cable into the port labeled “Out to TV”. Take the other end of this cable and plug that into the back of the TV.
7. Plug in both the DIRECTV Plus DVR and the VCR.
8. Turn on the DIRECTV Plus DVR and make sure that the blue light comes on in the front of the receiver.
9. Turn your TV and make sure that all of the satellite channels are working okay by going to random channels. If the picture is fuzzy, one of the cords may be loose or the VCR may be on.
10. Turn on the VCR. Press the TV/VCR button and see if the picture changes. Press it a couple more times and then try to play a tape in the VCR.

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