The changing face of the VCR—
“DVHS” “DVRs”, and “DVD Recorder with
VCR combination units”

VCRs have been around for about 30 years! Most know that VCR stands for Video Cassette Recorder. It works by recording and playing back Analog signals (think radio waves with picture) onto magnetic tape.

Because tapes run from beginning to end, one must fast forward or rewind through the tape to get to the desired program. Because the tape goes from beginning to end, it can only be in one spot on the tape at a time. File this idea away for future device explanations…

When I first posted this explanation. I wrote about digital VHS tape "D-VHS" machines. Because of cost, movie industry politics and just the ease of digital recorders, it never caught on for the average home. Even digital camcorders are moving away from the "mini dvcam" tapes. Like digital camcorders, or computer tape back-up drives, the D-VHS records digital information onto magnetic tape.

But the prices of DVD recorders "DVD-R" came down and the initial format problems worked itself out (most use "DVD-R" format DVDs if you want to share them with other DVD players). Similar to setting up a VCR, a DVD recorder can record off the TV either through programming a timer for time and channel, or with the aid of a program guide to choose the show you'd like to record. (we'll cover this in the future.)

And for the majority of the time where you want to record for "time shifting" --that is you want to record it to watch at another time because you aren't home or just don't want to watch it right now, using a DVR to record will be the easiest way to do it. (go to DVR page)

For those with extensive VHS libraries, don’t despair. Many new DVD recorders are combined with a Video Tape Player in the same unit. You will be able to watch or copy the VHS tape of your child’s birth or your wedding OR you will be able to copy your tape to a DVD disc. BE CLEAR...you CANNOT copy your purchased vhs tapes/movies to a DVD. So, keep the player, buy old titles on DVD...For your home movies though, time is ticking and magnetic tape doesn't last forever. You'll want to copy it to DVD to save it. It's very easy for combo machines (often one button) and even easy with separate components.

Hook up tips--
Basic VCR hookup –
Remember that the VCR needs to get a signal that is ready to show. That means that if you have a satellite or cable box, the cables must come from the wall IN to the satellite or cable box, then OUT of the satellite or cable box, and IN to the VCR, OUT of the VCR to a TV IN (like the antenna or another Input) OR OUT TO THE DVD-RECORDER.

when adding a DVD recorder--
Choose to connect into the VCR as above if you have only one output on your satellite or cable box or DVR and/or only one input on your DVD recorder. If you have 2 or more outputs...connect one output of the satellite or cable box to the TV and the other directly to the DVD recorder. You won't connect it to the VCR because you aren't recording TV programming anymore. Connect from the out on the VCR (either s-video, rca, or antenna/coaxial) to the in on the DVD recorder

For a complete explanation of how to choose connections and hook up your home theater buy "The Home Electronics Survival Guide".