How to Use a DVD/VDR Player Recorder Without a Cable Box

Since June 12, 2009, television stations in the United States have had to broadcast digital TV signals. This change had technological ramifications. For example, if you want to use your DVD/VCR to record TV programming, the device either has to be equipped with an internal ATSC (digital) tuner, or it has to be connected to another set top box that does have the internal digital tuner. The set top box could be a cable box or, if you don't subscribe to a cable service, a digital converter box.

Players without an Internal ATSC Tuner

• 1

  Connect the coaxial cable wire attached to the TV antenna to the digital converter box's RF "In" connector (typically labeled "Antenna In").

• 2

  Use an independent coaxial cable or a set of A/V cables to connect the output from the digital converter box to the corresponding input of the DVD/VCR player. When a coaxial cable is used, screw one end of the cable into the digital converter box's "RF Out" connector. Screw the other end of the cable into the DVD/VCR's "RF In" connector.

• 3

  Connect one end of another coaxial cable into the DVD/VCR player's "RF Out" connector. Connect the other end of the cable into the "RF In" connector (sometimes labeled "Ant. In") on the back of the television set.

• 4

  Plug the DVD/VCR player's power cable into a power source.

• 5

  Turn on the TV and DVD/VCR player. Set both the TV and DVD/VCR player to channel 3. Because the DVD/VCR device uses the tuner from the digital converter box, whenever you want to record a program set the digital converter box to the TV channel broadcasting the program you want to record.

DVD/VCR Players with an Internal ATSC Tuner

• 1

  Connect the coaxial cable wire attached to the TV antenna to the DVD/VCR's "RF In" connector.

• 2

  Use a coaxial cable or a set of A/V cables to connect the output from the DVD/VCR player to the corresponding input on the TV.

• 3

  Plug the DVD/VCR player's power cable into a power source. Turn on the TV and DVD/VCR player.

• 4

  Open the DVD/VCR player's main menu. Go to the Channel Setup options and conduct an automatic channel scan. Because the DVD/VCR device uses its own tuner, whenever you want to record a program set the DVD/VCR to the TV channel broadcasting the program you want to record.