Can't get my DVD recorder to record from VHS tapes!?

Question

Hello. I recently purchased a DVD recorder and can't seem to get it to work. It records TV programs through the cable box fine, but I would like to convert my home movies on VHS tapes to DVD via a VCR player. Is this possible? If so, how? My guess is that the A/V connections should not run through the cable box, so I was thinking I could connect it to the TV or directly to the VCR. Would either of these options work? My only problem is that my TV does not have a "video out" port, just a lot of A/V ins and one "audio out". So I am thinking my only option is directly through the VCR. In doing this, I record sound but not video! Does anyone happen to know how this could work? Oh, and this is for saving my family's home movies, so there shouldn't be any pirating problems. Thank you very much!

Answer 1

Run your A/V connectors from the VHS OUTPUT A/V connectors to the DVD recorder INPUTS... then monitor the output of the DVD recorder on your TV set like you normally do.

Answer 2

FIRST, It's not pirating if you're making copies of your own movies even if they are bought movies, unless you are making the copies to sell.  

Direct connection from the VCR to the DVD is the best option it sounds from your description.  Use the outputs of the VCR to the  inputs of the DVD recorder and send the output of the DVD recorder to the TV to monitor what you are doing.  

That should work unless I misunderstand your equipment.