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bilray · Jan 30, 2009, 06:57 PM

What position should a VCR be in relation to the satellite receiver and the television? Should there be a brief explanation about the wiring plan?

robertva · Jan 30, 2009, 07:39 PM

It "should" be wherever you want to put it. I wouldn't recommend in front of the screen. Be careful not to block the vents. Don't turn the VCR on when it's in in an enclosed cabinet with the door closed (even if it's glass). Don't put the VCR directly on top of another component (like a satellite or home theater receiver) that will be generating heat.

As far as wiring goes, find matching types of output on the satellite receiver (component, composite, RF etc) with the same type of input on the VCR. Connect the matching jacks with cables. Do the same between the VCR and the TV/display.

Colin Pye · Jan 30, 2009, 08:01 PM

It depends on what you want to do with the VCR, and what connections you have on the VCR, TV, and satellite receiver.

If you want to watch things you have already taped, and record from the satellite channel you are watching, the VCR should be between the satellite receiver and the TV. You will get a better picture if you use S-Video or Composite cables (you will also need to use R and L audio cables) between the receiver and VCR, and between the VCR and TV.

If you have cable or an antenna for local programs, and you want to tape any of those while watching satellite, you have to have the VCR before the satellite receiver. The big disadvantage is that you won't be able to tape anything from satellite.

If you are lucky enough to have A/V connections on everything, you can connect your local antenna or cable to the VCR, and your satellite receiver to the AV inputs on the VCR. Then connect the cable out from the satellite receiver to the TV, and the AV-out from the VCR to the AV-in on the TV. That will let you program your VCR normally for off-air and cable programs, and also let you record whatever you are watching on satellite. It will also let you record satellite, while watching cable or local off-air programs, just remember to have the VCR's TV/VCR switch set to TV, and the satellite box set to what you want to record. (you also have to set the VCR to record from the AV connection)

If you want a better (or more detailed) answer, please list what other devices you may have, and what connections they have. That way, I could build you a diagram to show you how to hook the whole thing together.