How to Set Up a VCR to Record Satellite Channels

Hooking up a videocassette recorder to record satellite television is no different than hooking one up to record cable TV. The most important thing is to route the cables so the broadcast signal travels through the VCR and then continues on to the TV set. This connection can be made through coaxial cables, RCA cables or a combination of both. Once it is properly connected, you can record any satellite TV channel onto a videocassette.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coaxial cables
• RCA video cables
• Videocassette

1. Disconnect the cable that connects the satellite receiver box directly to the TV set. They are likely connected by a coaxial cable; in this case, disconnect it at the satellite box's output end. If they are connected by RCA cables, disconnect it at the TV's end.

2. Connect the satellite receiver to the VCR. Connect a separate coaxial cable to the receiver's Output port and the VCR's Input port. Or, if you disconnected RCA cables in the previous step, connect the free ends to the VCR's RCA input ports (these ports are in the back, not the front).

3. Connect the VCR to the TV set. If you disconnected a coaxial cable in Step 1, connect the free end to the VCR's output port, with the other end still connected to the TV. If not, use an extra cable to make this connection. Then plug in the VCR's power cord.

4. Set the VCR to the Line In channel. It is likely labeled "L-1" and comes before the first numerical channel on the VCR's channel selection. Make sure the satellite receiver is set to the satellite channel you want to record from.

5. Insert a recordable cassette tape into the VCR (the cassette's write-protect hole must still have its tab or be covered) and make sure it is completely rewound. Use the VCR's "Record," "Pause" and "Stop" buttons to start, halt and stop the recording as you see fit.

Tips & Warnings

• If the VCR has RCA output ports (which will be in the front) and the TV has input ports, you can use RCA cable to connect the VCR and TV, instead of the coaxial. If you wish to use the VCR's timer, set the VCR clock to the correct time first. Then follow the VCR's instruction manual or remote-control instructions for how to set the timer.
• Any image recorded onto a videocassette, like all analog recordings, will not be a perfect copy; the video and audio quality will be slightly reduced.