Does having a VCR in between my HD STB and HD TV affect the picture?

[#1]

Hello,

   I just got a new HD TV and received by upgraded HD STB box. I plugged it all up and currently the outside coax goes into my STB, which then connects to my VCR. Then there's another coax taht goes from the VCR  to my tv. THus, the outside coax doesn't run directly to the tv. 

My question is; does having the VCR in the middle affect HD pictureat all? Also, is it ok to use the coax cables I already have or should I use the ones that came in the box?

Note: I have an HDMI connection between my tv and stb.

Thanks!,

Miguel

[#2]

The HDMI connection is where you are watching the TV picture from, so no.

[#3]

If your TV is set to view from the HDMI cable and not the coax from the VCR, then no. If you are watching through the VCR, then yes.