Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Old VCR only gets 15 channels

I have an old Magnavox VCR. I haven't used it for a couple of years. It was in storage but now that I've hooked it up again, I can only get 15 channels. Everything above that, which is only a few more, is local stuff that you get without cable. My brother-in-law said something about the possibility that some broadcasting standard has changed since I stopped using the unit and now it won't work with the new standard. Has anyone ever heard of that? Any other ideas as to what might be going on and how to fix it? I'm sure it's hooked up properly.

I think your right, there are only 15 channels you can recieve if you have a really older unit. Do you have a cable/air switch ? Is it on the right position for your use? can you do an auto program? some channels must be put in memory useing auto program.
As far as the new standard of programming it is here, but so is the standard cable broadcast that should be here for quite awhile, so that would not be the cause of recieving cable.
good luck, snuffs:)

I had an old VCR that only had 12 channels because the old tuner inside it could only get VHF channels. However, with a cable box, I got everything on channel 3.

Thanks Snuffs and Bob. I already tried all that stuff unfortunately and I used to get all the channels in the past so I don't think I need a cable box. Looks like it's time for a new VCR.

Thanks anyway though.