How to Record to a VCR Without a Cable Box

Color-coded RCA cables use one plug for video and two for audio.

You can use a VCR to record any broadcast that comes through your television. Although many cable boxes make the recording processes easier, a VCR can record broadcasts on standard cable and satellite. The process of connecting a VCR to your standard cable or satellite signal is virtually the same and can be done in a few simple steps.

Instructions

1. Connect your signal cable -- satellite or cable -- to the "Signal In" port on your VCR. The signal cable is the cable connected to your TV that allows you to watch television shows. When you remove it from your TV, you will see nothing but "snow."

2. Connect your VCR to your TV using an RCA cable (one comes with all VCRs). Connect one end of the cable to the "VCR Out" or "Out to TV" port on the back of your VCR and the other end to the "In" or "Video" port on the back or side of your TV. Most RCA cables have three plugs or connectors -- one for video and two for audio -- on either end. The RCA plugs and the ports on your TV and VCR are color coded, so just insert the red plug in the red port, the white plug in the white port and the yellow plug in the yellow port.

3. Insert a blank tape into the VCR. If you don't have a blank tape, you can record over an old one; make sure the tape is rewound, in decent condition and does not contain any important footage.

4. Turn your television to Channel 3. You should now be able to browse channels using your VCR remote.

5. Use your VCR remote to select the channel you wish to record.

6. Press record on your VCR.

References

• Sympatico: How to Connect a VCR to a Television