I have a dish dvr--625 I think.
I have a go+video vcr/dvd player. Model dvvr 4300
I would like to watch dvd's and hook the vcr up to the TV independently of the dish dvr if possible. I don't care about recording off the dish dvr but it might be nice.

Dish tech support helped me hook the vcr up and its also connected to the dish dvr but we could not get 'input' . I guess that means we could not assign an input channel. So at the moment I can't even watch TV unless I go back to square one.
From looking at the go+video manual on retrevo I get the impression that the current arrangement would result in limiting the things I can do with the dish dvr. I'd rather give up dvd's all together than to do that.
Thank you

I'm not sure the capabilities of the Dish DVR. You should be able to connect the VCR/DVD to the television using an RCA cable and the composite video signal:

RCA connector - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RCA_cable)

The yellow tips on the plugs (and the corresponding yellow jacks) are for the composite video signal. The red and white plugs/jacks are for the right and left audio channels, respectively. You can connect a cable like that shown in the link to the TV. To watch, you have to set the TV to "Line IN" or "L1" or something similar. If you couldn't get 'input' that probably means that you did not select the proper input signal. Most VCRs can select a channel or L1 or L2 or something similar. If you're connected using RCA cables and a composite video signal, you have to select one of those.

VCRs usually don't have the more advanced connections (Component Video, S-Video, or HDMI). If yours has these connections on both the TV and the VCR/DVD, you should use one of those connections.

If you wish and if you can take pictures of the back of the DVD/VCR, the TV, and satellite receiver/DVR, and can post them here (click "Go Advanced" then click the "Manage Attachments" box under "Additional Options". A pop-up window will let you browse for the pictures and post them under your message).

It sounds like your television is limiting your options.

I usually don't watch this forum (though I will catch your responses from e-mail). In the future, you may wish to post at https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/home-electronics/