How do I connect dish satellite, a vcr, a dvd player/recorder to my TV so I can play dvds and transfer vcr contents to dvds. I need help with the terminology on the in and outputs and what kind of cables.

A lot of this depends on TV Connections available.
Check out: Welcome to Monster® (http://www.monstercables.com)
Then click on "home theater connection guide".
It is very simplified and useful. Very well explained. With Diagrams.