How to Hook Up a VCR to Record Direct TV

Connect a VCR to DirecTV with standard AV cables.

You will need two sets of standard audio-video cables to make a quick VCR connection between a DirecTV satellite receiver and a television set. The color-coded cables match the connection jacks on the back of the components for virtually fool-proof setup. Once hooked up, the VCR can then be used to record DirecTV shows and play back the tapes for viewing on the TV. The setup should take less than 10 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• 2 sets of composite cables
• TV

Instructions

1. Match the colors on the three plugs on one end of the cables to the AV output jacks on the back of the DirecTV receiver.

2. Connect the red, white and yellow plugs on the other end to the matching AV input or record jacks on the back panel of the VCR.

3. Hook up a second set of AV cables from the VCR's AV output or playback jacks to a set of AV input jacks on the TV.

4. Turn on the equipment and press the "Input" button on the TV remote until the DirecTV signal appears on screen.

Tips & Warnings

• Set the DirecTV receiver to the desired channel for recording, not the VCR tuner.

• Hook up all AV cables before plugging equipment into the electricity.

References

• DirecTV Installation FAQs
• Columbia ISA: VCR Hookup Diagrams