Viewing a film on tape is an experience of its own and transports one to a completely different point in time. Technology has advanced tremendously over the past decade, but like cult classic films there is a following with everything- even videotapes. What better way to build a bridge between the past and present than by hooking up a VCR (videocassette recorder) to a modern ROKU-brand smart television. The VCR is a device that records audio and video from broadcast television or another course. It also has the ability for the viewer to watch pre-recorded content. This is where VHS (Video Home System) come in! By the early 1980s, VHS became the standard in the home video industry. That is, until the late 1990s/early 2000s when DVD's dethroned them as the best economical choice for the industry. While there is no argument over whether a DVD or VHS has better video quality, there are certainly perks to the latter! For example, a VHS will start up immediately where the film left off, unlike a DVD that begins with the menu/scene selection. Another nice thing about VHS/VCR is that after recording a movie or television show on a tape, the program will always be on it. There is no fumbling around for space on a cable box.

Steps

  1. 1
    Make sure every device is properly turned off so that there are no electrical difficulties. Power surges occur when the flow of electricity is interrupted, then started again. Also, when something sends electricity flowing back into the system.
  2. 2
    Turn the VCR around and connect the correctly colored RCA cable to each input. Make sure the yellow plugs connected with the yellow input, the red plug with the red input and the white outlet with the white input.
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  3. 3
    Turn the VCR back around and connect the other end of each RCA cable to the outlets on the side of your ROKU TV. This will be located on the left side of the television.
  4. 4
    Plug the VCR and television are into a wall outlet.
  5. 5
    Finally, pop in a VHS and enjoy the motion picture presentation! In 1988 fully half of American homes owned VCRs - and by 2003, VCR penetration had reached over 90% with just 74 million homes receiving cable TV versus a whopping 98 Million homes equipped with VCRs.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    I read your article, but I cannot record from the VCR. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    If you can't find the solution to your problem in your VCR's manual, try contacting customer service.
  • Question
    How do I set up a Roku HDMI signal to a VCR/DVD recorder/player?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Streaming devices can feed recorders by using HDMI-to-RCA converter between the output of Roku, etc. and the input of recorder.
  • Question
    How do I record from a Roku to a DVD player on a DVD?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Roku Express+ (Walmart exclusive) and Xbox 360 have RCA outputs that can feed the RCA inputs on a VCR and/or DVD recorder. Other streaming devices can feed recorders by using HDMI-to-RCA converter between the output of Roku, etc. and the input of recorder.
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Warnings

  • Make sure to use the correct RCA cables. The input should be snug, but not extremely tight. If it is then when removing the cable the outer shell could be ripped off the entire cable.
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  • If you see a blinking red light on your ROKU TV then your device is overheating. This could be due to a power surge.
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  • Do not pause a film for too long because you may damage the tape by doing so.
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Things You'll Need

  • RCA Connector- This stands for the Radio Corporation of America and consists of three plugs in the colors of yellow (composite video), red (stereo audio), and white (stereo audio).
  • VCR – This technology peaked in the 1990's and played videotapes until being replaced by DVD's.
  • ROKU Television – A ROKU television is a type of smart TV that allows one to access many different streaming platforms as well as cable.
  • VHS Cassette - a 187 mm wide, 103 mm deep, 25 mm thick plastic shell that loads into a VCR for home video viewing.
  • Reliable Outlet.

References

  1. "Fun Video Factoids." Videomaker.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2017.
  2. "Power Surges - Cause & Effect." PowerHouse - Presented by Alliant Energy. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Oct. 2017.

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 79,885 times.
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Co-authors: 6
Updated: December 20, 2019
Views: 79,885
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