I'm guessing that you're looking to record the content from VCR tapes and DVDs so that you can watch them on your DVR. If that is not correct, let me know and I'll try again.
Just about every DVR I have seen can only record content coming in from a cable or antenna signal. There are converters available that can take the video output from your VCR or DVD player and turn it into a signal that is the same as you'd get from a television antenna. You can find these devices -- often called an "RF Modulator" -- for under $20. In general, they can take the composite video signal (yellow RCA connector) and the stereo audio signal (red and white RCA connectors) and output it as a television signal over a coax cable. In general, they can be switched to "broadcast" on either channel 3 or 4. Some boxes also will take an S-video signal instead of the composite video, which will give you slightly better image quality.
Remember that the VCR and DVD images are standard definition, and will not look as good on an HDTV as a high definition image will. These inexpensive conversion boxes may not give you the cleanest signal, either.
Also keep in mind that this signal is going to be an analog signal, so your DVR box will have to have analog tuners in order to receive the signal. If it only can handle digital signals, then this solution won't work. I'm not aware of any consumer-level composite-to-ATSC (digital TV signal) converters.
Alfred Poor
The Weekly Feature
