Emerson brand VCRs are among the highest quality of video cassette recorders. Many refurbished models are available at surplus or online stores. Like many other models, they are very easy to record video tapes with, especially when recording cable or satellite TV. You just need to ensure the recorder is properly connected to receive the cable signal and send it to your TV. The Emerson VCR also has input ports to which you can connect anything temporarily to record.
Instructions
1. Make sure the VCR's input is connected to the output of your TV source. Disconnect the cable linking the TV with your cable/satellite box at the TV end and connect it to the port that says "IN" in the back of the VCR. Connect the VCR's "OUT" port to the TV. The RF coaxial ports will be the best connection.
2. Connect any other device you want to record from to the VCR through the audio/video ports in the front of the VCR. This includes things like a camcorder, DVD player or game console. This requires RCA composite video cables. If the VCR's ports aren't colored, the cable plug order from left to right is yellow, white and red.
3. Set the VCR's channel accordingly. The channel buttons are usually directly below the cassette slot. To record from the TV, set it to channel 3 or whichever TV channel is carrying the cable/satellite signal. For an external device connected in front, tune it to the Line In (L-1) channel.
4. Insert a recordable cassette tape into the VCR. The write protect slot on the left end of the tape must be covered. Cover it with a piece of adhesive tape if the original tab was removed. Make sure the tape is rewound by pressing the Rewind button, which is the left-hand button within the circle of buttons on the panel's right.
5. Press the Record button to begin recording. This button is usually labeled in red letters and is a small button located to the side of the circle of buttons that include Play, Rewind and Fast Forward. Only on very older models should you need to press the Play button while holding down on Record.
6. Hit the Stop button to end the recording, which is located under the cassette slot with the Power and channel buttons. Press this button a second time to eject the cassette. Or rewind the cassette and use the Play button to play back the recording.
Tags: cable satellite, cassette slot, channel buttons, circle buttons, Make sure, Play button, record from