What should I do before recording a show using VCR?

put a tape in the VCR

I always fast-forward and rewind the tape all the way through. Same was true of cassette tapes. I don't normally get any "bad spots" where the tracking goes bad, or the tape gets loose or tight.

Oh... Do this at least 1/2 hour before the show you wish to record starts, so you have plenty of time.

Make sure your cable-box volume is all the way up. Otherwise, the volume on the tape (if it's between the cable box and TV) will be extremely low.

Make sure the cable-box is on the correct channel to record your show.

If you use a timer, set it for 5 minutes before the show starts to 5 minutes after the show ends. This will help cover a VCR clock that's a couple of minutes off. (WARNING. Most shows are OVER an hour... Don't just set the thing for 10 minutes. I've done that too many times to count! LOL) And, I believe that with most timers, you must turn the machine off.

If not, you can hit RECORD JUST before the show starts. and STOP after the next show starts.

If you wish to save the show on the tape, be sure to pop the tab out, so you can't record over it. ;-)

BE KIND, REWIND.

Buy a DVD Player...

Fix the clock so that it stops flashing: 12:00 It may not help the recording but it's annoying as hell.

get it ready for recording and wait to push the button record when the show you want recorded starts.

Make sure you have the VCR on SLP or just make sure you buy a 6 hour VHS tape to fit more shows on the tape.

Select the channel of the show that you want to watch.

Push the record button.

and don't forget to turn off the power before using a programable vcr