Trouble with taping TV Programs

[KingsChick]

Hey everyone, I know this sounds silly of me, but yesterday I tapen an ABC show, and I pressed record, and after it was done, I pressed record again.

And then, I checked to see if my show was on the tape, and there was nothing on it.

Can someone tell me what I'm doing wrong or help me out??

Thanks !!!!

 

[VF21]

It could be a lot of things. You need to check your owner's manual for your VCR.

One thing? If you press "record" to start recording, you generally press "stop" when you're done.

 

[PixelPusher]

also, make sure the VHS tape you are using has the little square "hole" covered up, with either the plastic tab that comes with it, or you can cover it up with a piece of scotch tape.

 

[HndsmCelt]

Is the input from your cable going to the VCR then the TV? I guess a simpler question is has this set up as it is now worked in the past?

 

[GeorgeofSacramento]

If the little plastic tab was missing, the VCR wouldn't accept you pressing "record". Trust me, I've done that before!

Possible scenerios:
Scenerio A

1. You press "record" and let the tape run to the end.
2. The VCR automatically rewinds the tape when it reaches the end of the tape.
3. You press "record" again.
4. You have now recorded over the show you wanted.

Scenerio B

1. You have digital cable.
2. The digital cable box was off.
3. When you pressed "record", you taped a blank signal.

Scenerio C

Gremlins

 

[KingsChick]

So basically, if the hole isn't covered up, then the show won't record? wow, I can't believe how stupid I was. thanks everyone for the help !

 

[GeorgeofSacramento]

A suggestion from those who've been through it before.

If the tab is broken off and you want to reuse the VHS tape, first fill the hole with folded paper, then tape over it. Several times, I've just put scotch tape over the hole, but the little springloaded arm that checks it pushes right through. If the hole is filled, it's less likely to happen. A quicker alternative is to use two layers of tape.

 

[Gargamel]

A suggestion from those who've been through it before.

If the tab is broken off and you want to reuse the VHS tape, first fill the hole with folded paper, then tape over it. Several times, I've just put scotch tape over the hole, but the little springloaded arm that checks it pushes right through. If the hole is filled, it's less likely to happen. A quicker alternative is to use two layers of tape.

That's not the prob. The VCR will eject a tape like that when you press record. Her issue sounds like she's got a cable out of place. Depending on how much crap you have hooked together, it is possible for the TV to work while the VCR doesn't receive the signal and records blue or snow.

 

[GeorgeofSacramento]

Questions:
#1 Have you been successful taping with your setup before?
If so, then it's not the physical setup.
If not, then check cables, cablebox settings, etc. Your signal should go from wall outlet to cablebox to vcr to tv.

#2 Have you previously used THIS tape before?
If so, then check for the missing recording tab AND make sure you weren't at the end of the tape.
If not, then it's probably not the tape. However, there are rare vhs tapes I've found that are defective or too old that cause recording problems. Try a different tape.

I'd suggest you try to replicate what happened with another tv program and check the results.

 

[VF21]

I think she solved her problem, George. She hasn't posted any questions since Oct. 12.

Thanks, though.

 

[KingsChick]

No.. I wasn't succesful before either.. kind of strange.

lol, actually I didn't solve it, I really think something's wrong with my VCR, because I asked everyone I possibly could and they didn't know what was wrong. so I just am gonna have my friend tape it. thanks for all the help guys !!

 

[d0rkus]

how is it connected?

Try this.
Connect the cable/antenna to the VCR, then connect the vcr to your tv. (depending on what channel u have it on, you should be able to press "tv/vcr" on the vcr remote and be able to change the channels from it if your tv is on channel 3 or 4)
If that works, you will be able to switch it to the channel u wanted to record and record it, then press tv/vcr (to turn it off) and watch something else on the tv.
You can also setup the VCR timer to record something that you're going to miss by programming it also...