How do I use my blank video tape to record shows?

Question

I purchased a Sony video tapes (http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?CategoryName=&ProductSKU=12T120VL%2fKIT&TabName=feature&var2=) to record my favorite shows. I have the proper VCR, but am unsure how to proceed. Please help.

Answer 1

Refer to you owner's manual. Otherwise, put the tape in, and
either just press the REC button after you have selected to
proper channel, or some VCRs require that you press both the
REC and PLAY buttons simultaneously.
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Answer 2

You probably want to set the timer to record the shows when you aren't around. The best way is to check the manual, but sometimes those are written in Chinglish or Japenglish and it's difficult to figure out what they want. You didn't say which VCR you have, but in general:

Have the TV on and select the VCR input (either the video input or the correct channel that the VCR uses for output). Make sure you can see the VCR output before continuing.

If your VCR is new, you shouldn't have to set the clock and you can go to the next paragraph. If the clock is flashing 12:00, you'll need to set it. Press the Menu button on the VCR remote. There will be something like Clock Set. Use the navigation arrows on the remote to set the clock to the current time & date.

Press the Menu button on the VCR remote. There will be something like Timer Set/Check. Use the navigation arrows on the remote to enter the channel, start time & date, stop time, and recording mode (LP = more programs per tape, so-so picture and SP = fewer programs per tape and best picture). When you are setting the date, you can probably set it so you can record every day at the same time, once a week at the same time, or just the weekdays or weekends at the same time -- as well as any single date and time. You'll have to use the nav arrows to find out where they have those choices in the date choices.

After you have the dates & times set, just put in the tape and turn the VCR off. You may have to press a button that says something like Timer Rec (might be on the remote, might be on the VCR, or both). When the VCR is ready, you'll see a red symbol of some kind on the display to show it's waiting to record.

You should practice on something before you try to tape the shows you really want, just in case you didn't get something right. I usually tape something starting about five minutes after I get it all set up and then only record 5 minutes or so. Then I play it back to make sure that my settings were right. Once you know how to set it correctly, it's easy to set it for what you really want.

Good luck!