I recently signed up with directtv.Getting support with them is impossible. My vcr(jvc,HRA592U) was working fine when I had cable, but now there is no picture or sound. Do I need to upgrade the vcr or is there something I can do to make it work?

Please describe the connection from the DTV Controller to the VCR. Pictures of the rear connection blocks on the DTV controller, the VCR and the TV would help quite a bit.

It my sound simple, but make sure that your dish is hooked up to the "Sat In" plug, your VCR is plugged into the "Out to TV" plug, and that the satellite receiver is plugged into the video or antenna IN jacks on your VCR. You'd be surprised how often people just hook stuff up backwards.