ext_5201 ([identity profile] ag-unicorn.livejournal.com) wrote in [personal profile] lokizmom 2008-08-29 11:05 pm (UTC)

If this is the configuration you are using:

Cable Box Out (F Connector) -> VCR Ant In (F Connector, VCR @ output channel for Cable box (usually 3 or 4)) -> VCR TV Out (F Connector) -> TV In (F Connector, TV @ output channel for VCR (usually 3 or 4; do NOT use the same channel as the Cable box, as it could cause interference))

DVD Out (RCA connectors) -> VCR Video In (RCA connectors)

then your VCR should have some way of switching to the "Video" inputs.

First, your VCR's internal tuner must be active (this is the "TV/VCR" mode setting that allows you to jump between VCR channel tuner usage and TV/Cable channel tuner usage without having to turn off the VCR; this may be on your VCR's front panel, and is almost certainly on the remote of the VCR).

Next, if you have two sets of inputs on the VCR, then there is a way to change between Antenna input (coming from your cable box @ the cable box's output channel) and your Video input (coming from your DVD player); you have to figure out how to switch the VCR to "Video" or "Aux" input mode.

Common methodologies are:
- Channel "00" on the VCR
- Channel "Aux" on the VCR (may also be "RCA", "Video", or "Game" (yes, I have seen "Game" as a channel setting))
- The "Input Switch" or "Input" toggle feature (may be on the front panel, almost certainly on the remote)

With the cable set up you described, you should be able to:

- Turn your Cable box on, leave the VCR off, turn the TV on to the correct Cable box output channel and watch whatever is on your cable box;
- Turn your Cable box on, set the VCR to "VCR Tuner" and "Antenna/Cable Input/Internal Tuner" mode, set the VCR channel to the correct Cable box output channel, turn the TV on to the correct VCR output channel and watch or record whatever is on your cable box;
- Turn your DVD player on, set the VCR to "VCR Tuner" and "Video/Aux Input" mode, turn the TV on to the correct VCR output channel, and watch whatever is in your DVD player; or
- Turn the entire bloody thing off, throw on some tunes and read a book. ;)

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