As TV stations switch over exclusively to digital high definition, older TVs will need a digital converter to work. This is only needed if you don't have cable or satellite TV. If you record TV shows with a VCR, this will still work with a converter box. You just need to make sure the signal goes through the converter before it reaches the VCR. It's easy to do if you know about hooking up devices like VCRs, and you can still program the VCR timer to record something later. If you want to record one channel while watching another, however, you must hook up two converter boxes.
Instructions
Basic Installation and Programming
1. Make sure the converter and VCR are properly connected. The converter's input must be connected to the antenna. Connect the converter's output to the VCR using either an RF coaxial, with the twist-screw plug, or RCA composite cable, with the yellow, red and white plugs. Connect the VCR's output to the TV set.
2. Set the VCR's clock to the current date and time. The Menu button on your VCR remote control will bring up an on-screen menu where you should go to the "Clock Set" selection. Follow the on-screen directions for setting the date and time--it should involve the directional keys on the remote.
3. Bring up the Menu screen again and go to the "Timer Set" selection. The process for presetting the start and stop times should be similar to the initial clock setting. You will also need to set the recorded channel and if you want to record in Short Play or Extended Play. Most VCRs will allow up to eight timer settings.
4. Insert a recordable, rewound cassette tape in the VCR and press the Timer button. The VCR will shut off and automatically start up at the preset time. As long as the digital converter's signal is going into the VCR, it should record the HD-converted channel.
Recording a Different Channel
5. Attach a coaxial splitter to your TV antenna. Connect two separate digital receivers to the splitter with coaxial cable. Attach another splitter to the TV's input port.
6. Link one converter directly to the TV using one of the available splitter ports on the TV. Connect the other splitter port to the VCR's output and the VCR's input to the second converter box.
7. Follow the above Basic Installation and Programming instructions for programming the VCR to record the right channel. It should pick up the antenna signal for that channel while the TV is playing another.
Tags: antenna Connect, Basic Installation, Basic Installation Programming, channel while, digital converter, Installation Programming