How do I connect my DVD recorder to Direct TV?

How do I connect a tv/dvd to a dvd recorder and a dvr?

• I have a tv/dvd combo and a dvr recorder. I just got a dvd recorder so i can record the tv shows I have recorded on the dvr. I hookup the recorder to the tv/dvd, and its not working. I'm guess that i need another set of rca cord hookups. but do i need a s-video cable also. or what? help please! I also tryed to contact toshiba the maker of the tv/dvd, to see if you can connect a dvd recorder to it. but have not got a response. and what channel i would use to record on. Wow this is so technical. help a Granny out please

• Answer:

  You need to connect the video/audio OUT from the TV/DVD to the video/audio IN on your DVD recorder. The cables depends on what each offers. If you have component (5 cables), that'll likely be best. Second best is S-Video plus 2-cable audio. Worst would be composite (3 cables). Be aware that the DVD recorder likely has circuitry to prevent copying DVDs. To record from the DVR to the DVD Recorder, do not go through the TV. Connect them directly. The DVD record likely has a video/audio OUT that can be connect to the TV's IN to monitor the recording. The DVR may also have the ability to output to two sources (my ReplayTV has such a feature, called "record to VCR"). Update: If you want to record DVR shows to the DVD recorder, then you'll need to connect the DVR's outputs (most likely S-Video plus 2-cable RCA audio OR 3 cable RCA composite) into the DVD recorder. Do NOT go through the TV.