How to Set up a DVD Recorder to a Cable Box

by John Ehle, Demand Media

A set-top DVD recorder will allow you to record your favorite cable television broadcast, providing a higher level of picture and sound quality compared to older analog VHS recording devices. Certain DVD recorders have advanced features, such as record scheduling and HD "up-converting" capability. Single-layer DVDs provide up to 4.7 GB of recording space, while double-sided dual-layered discs hold a maximum of 17.95 GB worth of information. Properly connecting a DVD recorder to a cable box will enable you to record programing from your cable provider.

Preparation

Step 1

Turn off the television and cable box. Disconnect the power cable from the television and cable box.

Step 2

Gain access to the rear of the television and cable box.

Step 3

Examine the connection options available on the rear of the DVD recorder, television and cable box.

Step 4

Determine the best connection option available, between all three devices. Component RCA connections provide the best image quality, while composite RCA connections provide better image and sound quality over coaxial cable connections.

Step 5

Disconnect the coaxial or RCA cable connections leading from the rear of the television to the cable box.

Coaxial Cable Connection

Step 1

Connect one end of the first coaxial cable to the "TO TV" or "COAXIAL OUT" connection, found at the rear of the cable box.

Step 2

Connect the remaining end of the first coaxial cable to the DVD recorder's "COAXIAL IN" or "CABLE/ANT IN" coaxial connection.

Step 3

Connect a second coaxial cable to the television's "CABLE/ANT IN connection. Connect the remaining end of the second cable to the "TV OUT" connection.

Step 4

Connect the power cord for the DVD recorder to a suitable wall outlet or power strip device. Reconnect the power cables for the television and cable box to finish the installation process.

RCA Composite Or Component Cable Connection

Step 1

Connect the first pair of composite/component A/V cables from the "VIDEO/AUDIO OUT" connections located at the rear of the cable box to the corresponding "VIDEO/AUDIO IN" DVD recorder connections.

Step 2

Connect a second pair of composite/RCA A/V cables from the "VIDEO/AUDIO OUT" for the DVD recorder. Connect the remaining cable ends to on of the television's available "VIDEO/AUDIO IN" connections.

Step 3

Connect the power cables for the television, DVD recorder and cable box to a suitable wall outlet or surge protector.

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References

  • Desk Share: VCD, SVCD, DVD Quality, Compression, Capacity, And Media Types

About the Author

Living in the heartland of Indiana most of his life, John Ehle decided in the spring of 2008 to share his expertise of various topics through freelance writing. Most of John’s work can be found on various websites. Ehle graduated high school in 2000 and majored in business administration at a local community college.