Is there a way to hook up a VCR to a digital Cable box to record TV?

Question

I would Like to record shows on digtial cable, however I don't want to pay for DVR service. I would like to know if I can hook up a VCR or A DVD Recorder to my digital cable box to record my shows?

Answer 1

There are two kinds of digital cable boxes-SD and HD.
SD boxes usually have S and composite outputs. One way to hook-up is to use the S cable to feed the TV and the composite cables to feed the VCR or dvd recorder. If there is only one set of audio red/white connectors, you may have to buy two Y adapters so you can split the output.
HD boxes usually have S and composite outputs in addition to the HD component and HDMI outputs. One way to hook-up would be to use the composite connectors to connect to the VCR or DVD recorder, and the HDMI or component to the TV.
For unattended recording, some boxes have programming capability. You program both the VCR or DVD to record and the Box. In this case, you may not be able to use the HDMI HD box connection because the box may kill the SD output if the TV is shut off.

Answer 2

Yes
If the VCR or DVD recorder is analog, you'll use the component outputs on the Cable Box.
If the Cable Box only has Digital outputs you'll need a Digital to Analog decoder.