How to Record VHS Tapes
VHS videotapes remain a popular recording medium even in the digital age of Blu-Ray discs and high-definition televisions. Although VCRs have a legendary reputation for confusing programming, actually recording VHS tapes requires only the ability to put a cassette in the VCR, connect to a source for recording such as a television or another VCR and press a button. You'll only need standard RCA composite audio/video cables and blank VHS tapes for recording.
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Things You'll Need
- VCR
- Recording source, such as a second VCR or a television
- RCA composite audio/video cables
- Blank VHS tapes
- Prerecorded tapes
Instructions
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Connect a VCR to a source for recording by inserting a set of composite RCA cables into the VCR's "Record" or "In" jacks, using the yellow plug for the video connection and the red and white plugs for the right and left audio connections.
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Insert the other ends of the color-coded cables into the "Audio" and "Video" "Out" jacks on the source device.
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Insert a blank VHS tape in the VCR through the front door panel. The tape will load automatically.
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Set the source device to the desired programming for recording. When recording from television, select the channel to record. When recording from another VCR, insert a prerecorded tape, which will start playing automatically.
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Press "Record" on the VCR to begin recording the program.
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Tips & Warnings
Make longer recordings on a single VHS tape by pressing the "Tape Speed" button on the VCR remote control. Selections include SP, LP and SLP, which provides the longest recording time. SP is the standard VCR speed, LP twice as long and SLP approximately three times as long. The LP and SLP speeds will reduce image quality, although you'll be able to make longer redordings.
Unplug the equipment from the wall outlet while making audio/video connections.
