How to Hook Up a Toshiba DVD Recorder to Record TV

Some Toshiba DVD recorders feature an integrated tuner to facilitate recording from TV.

DVD players and recorders have replaced VCRs in many households due to their superior quality and other added benefits. Toshiba manufactures a variety of DVD recorders, both as stand-alone units and combinations with a VCR. Those recorders can be connected in a peripheral manner or in a direct line between the TV and its cable or satellite receiver box to copy TV programs, though only at standard definition quality.

Things You'll Need

• Audio/video cables (combination of HDMI, component, S-video, composite RCA or coaxial)
• Recordable DVDs

Instructions

Direct Connection

1. Connect a coaxial cable from the coaxial output of the video source (wall outlet or cable/satellite receiver) to the matching input on the rear of the DVD recorder.

2. Connect another cable (coaxial, composite RCA, or S-video and composite RCA audio) from its output on the DVD recorder to that input on the TV. Connect HDMI or component video cables from the recorder to the TV for higher-quality video when playing DVDs if you have an HDTV with such inputs.

3. Load a recordable DVD into the recorder. Press the "DTV/TV" button on the remote control to select a digital or analog source. Press "Rec Mode" to set the recording mode, and select the channel to be recorded. If the video is coming from a cable or satellite receiver, that will likely be the default channel of either 3 or 4. Press "REC" to begin one-touch recording, or use the timer option to record at a later time.

Peripheral Connection

1. Connect the appropriate cable from the output on the cable/satellite receiver to the matching input on the DVD recorder. Connect another set of cables (HDMI, component, S-video or composite) from an output on the recorder to the matching input on the TV to monitor recording progress or watch DVDs.

2. Set the DVD recorder to the default viewing channel, either 3 or 4. Load a recordable DVD into the recorder, press the "DTV/TV" button to select a digital or analog source, and press "Rec Mode" to set the recording mode.

3. Select the channel or program you want to record from the cable/satellite receiver and press "Rec" to begin recording.

Tips & Warnings

• Such models that allow for direct connection include the DR570 and the DVR670 DVD/VCR combo unit.

• Choose to connect the DVD recorder as a peripheral component if your recorder does not feature an integrated tuner, or if you wish to mainly use it for recording and have a higher-quality video connection (HDMI or component) between the cable/satellite receiver and the TV.

• Consult the owner's manual for further connection and operating instructions for your particular DVD recorder.

References

• Toshiba: DR570 Owner's Manual
• Toshiba: DVR620 Owner's Manual
• Toshiba: DKR40 Owner's Manual
• Toshiba: DVR670 Owner's Manual

Resources

• Toshiba: DVD Recorders