How to Record Using a VCR
Recording with analog video cassettes using a VCR is still one of the easiest methods of video recording. Unlike recordable DVDs, tapes can be used multiple times, and DVD recorders can also be a bit more complicated to work. VCRs also hold an advantage over digital video recorder boxes (DVRs), as the cassettes can easily be transported and used in any cassette machine.
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Instructions
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1
Make sure the VCR is correctly hooked up to the TV. The VCR's "IN" port must be connected to wherever the signal is coming from. This means it should be connected to the TV antenna or the cable/satellite receiver box. The box has an outlet port that links to the VCR through a coaxial cable.
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2
Set the VCR's channel. If you are recording an air broadcast, the VCR must be set to the broadcast channel you will record. If you have cable or satellite TV, set the VCR channel to the default channel your cable/satellite signal broadcasts on or the Line Out (L-1) channel.
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3
Insert a recordable cassette tape into the VCR. If the tape has a hole in the left side with no tab over it, it will not record and should immediately start playing upon insertion. The hole must be covered (adhesive tape works best) for the tape to be recordable.
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4
Press the "Record" button on the VCR or its remote control to begin recording. On some older models, you will have to press "Record" and "Play" together. Keep in mind that the machine may need to "wind up" for a couple of seconds before it begins to record.
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5
Halt the recording temporarily with the "Pause" button. The machine will freeze the recording until you restart it by pressing "Pause" again (or the "Play" or "Record" button--it can vary depending on the VCR). If the VCR remains paused for about 3 to 5 minutes, it will automatically stop the recording altogether.
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6
End the recording with the "Stop" button.
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Tips & Warnings
The "Stop" button can be used instead of "Pause" for a temporary break in recording. Sometimes, however, stopping causes the tape within the cassette to jostle, so that when you restart, you may record over the last recorded second or two or have a small patch of blank tape between recordings. Using a fresh, blank tape helps ensure you have a recording that doesn't have anything previously recorded blare through. You can also erase a previously recorded tape with an electromagnetic eraser.
