I have an older television, early 90's, and am using a DVD/VCR combo as a tuner to pick up higher stations. The problem is even though the coax appears to be wired correctly when I attempt to use the remote from the DVD/VCR to change channels, even though the tuner shows the channel advancing, the TV does not change channels

Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated

Try tuning your TV to channel 3 and make sure your dvd/vcr is properly set up to receive what ever your sending it example cable , satellite , air broadcast etc. GOOD LUCK, AC.