How to Record TV Shows on a Tunerless DVD Recorder

A tunerless DVD recorder cannot record a specific over-the-air broadcast channel; it can only receive a signal transmitted directly to it through a cable. Because of this, a tunerless recorder must be connected to a cable or satellite TV feed to record any TV shows. If you have cable or satellite TV and can make the proper cable hook up between the receiver, recorder and TV set, then you should be able to record any TV show broadcasting via your cable or satellite provider.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• DVD recorder
• Cable/satellite TV access
• Coaxial/ RCA video cables
• Recordable DVDs

1. Connect the output of your cable or satellite receiver box to the input port on the DVD recorder. If the recorder has an input port for coaxial cable, use that. Otherwise, use the receiver box's RCA output port, making sure you use a three-pronged RCA video cable (the video plug on such cables is usually colored yellow).

2. Link the DVD recorder's output port to the TV set. Again, a coaxial cable connection works best. If the recorder doesn't have a coaxial output port, the TV must have an RCA input port. The signal should now go from the receiver to the DVD recorder to the TV set. Plug in the recorder's power cable.

3. Insert a recordable DVD into the recorder. Make sure it has the correct format that will work with your recorder, like DVD+, DVD- or DVD+-.

4. Tune the cable or satellite receiver box to the cable/satellite channel you want to record from. If you made the right cable connections, you should still get the broadcast signal on your TV set. The recorder should automatically receive this signal.

5. Press the "Record" button to begin recording and the "Stop" button to end it. You can also use the "Pause" button to temporarily halt the recording. When you un-pause it, the recording will likely start a new track on the disc.

6. Play back the DVD afterward to make certain the recording was successful.

Tips & Warnings

• If your TV setup includes a VCR or DVR, connect its output port to the DVD recorder's input port. The cable/satellite box's output should be connected to the DVR or VCR's input.
• Check your DVD recorder's manual for more precise instructions on recording. Failure to follow precise directions for your specific unit may result in the disc not recording and being permanently unusable afterward.