Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - Need help getting vcr to record.

Hi, I need to get my vcr up and running for the south africa/england game on sunday.

Currently using a sanyo dvd/vcr combo model dvw 7000.
Also have a sanyo tv model DP32746.
Using direct TV.

How it is currently rigged.
Direct TV box to video 1 using s-video and audio cables.

DVD to video 2 using composite cables, and audio cables.

VCR is set up in the following chain.
Sat in to direct box, tv out on direct box to vcr in. Vcr out to TV.

Currently both the tv and dvd work fine. How ever I can't get the vcr to record anything. Is there some obvious mistake I am making?

Also I don't have a known working tape to even see if the vcr is even working. (In process of moving. Most junk still 600 miles away.)

When I hit record nothing seems to happen. I also made sure the combo was in vcr mode not dvd. Can't think of what to do.

Thanks for time.

On the vcr input is it labeled line in, input 1, or what. You need to set you vcr to that input. For instance mine has line 1, line 2, then the channels. So when you set up to record, instead of having it record channel 3 or 37, it will record the input.

On the vcr input is it labeled line in, input 1, or what. You need to set you vcr to that input. For instance mine has line 1, line 2, then the channels. So when you set up to record, instead of having it record channel 3 or 37, it will record the input.

I see the input you are talking about. My direct tv box has a video output free as well. Right now video 1 is to the tv would its video 2 be sending the same signal?

It would unless this is a dual tuner unit. Then it might be sending the second tuner signal.

It would unless this is a dual tuner unit. Then it might be sending the second tuner signal.

Cool, one more question then. What point is there to chaining the sat signal through my vcr to my tv then? Should I just take all those cables out? Since it has s vid to tv? I was under the impression chaining them like that would connect the vcr part to my tv, but it doesn't seem to.

Jack, please clarify so I can understand ...

You said: "Direct TV box to video 1 using s-video and audio cables. DVD to video 2 using composite cables, and audio cables."

This has nothing to do with the VCR, right? All of these A/V cables are direct connections to the TV, and they're working OK? Great.

Then you said: "VCR is set up in the following chain.
Sat in to direct box, tv out on direct box to vcr in. Vcr out to TV."

Is this a separate, standard In/Out cable connection with RG59 or RG6? If so, set the TV to the VCR's output channel (usually 3), and set the VCR to the DirTV receiver's output channel. You should now see the DirTV picture and be able to use it's remote to change channels. If not, play a DVD. If you see that, hit the VCR button on the VCR/DVD's remote to change to the VCR.

If this works, you don't need to do anything more to the VCR. Pop in a tape and hit record. And don't change the Direct TV channel during the game or you'll miss it!

PS: Don't wait for your stuff to come in from 600 miles away to test this! Buy a new tape, man ... buy a new tape!

Aside: Years ago I made one BIG mistake re-using tapes. I always kept a tape in the VCR to grab "throwaway" programs. One day, I just hit Record when an interesting program came on. Turns out my wife had been showing her friends our wedding video.

The wedding video should have had the no record tab broken out.

Aside: Years ago I made one BIG mistake re-using tapes. I always kept a tape in the VCR to grab "throwaway" programs. One day, I just hit Record when an interesting program came on. Turns out my wife had been showing her friends our wedding video.

So Rick, how much did it cost to renew your vows and go on a 2nd honeymoon? ;)