How do I Use Security DVR to Record TV?
By Alice Godfrey
A digital video recorder (DVR) has inputs to receive video signals originating from different types of devices. Adapt a DVR used for security recordings to record TV broadcasts instead. A cable common in many homes will be needed and can be acquired from an electronics shop if necessary. No tools will be necessary.
Step 1
Turn off the digital video recorder (DVR) that is being used for security monitoring. Unscrew the coaxial cable connected to the "RF" input that is on the DVR. If there is no "RF" input, pull out the video cable from the yellow-ringed "Composite/Video" input on the DVR.
Step 2
Screw an end of a coaxial cable into the "RF" output on the cable box. If the DVR doesn't have a "RF" output, insert one end of a "Composite/Video" cable into the yellow-ringed video output on the cable box instead.
Step 3
Screw the other end of the coaxial cable into the "RF" input on the DVR. If there is no "RF" input, insert the other end of the "Composite/Video cable into the yellow-ringed "Composite/Video" input on the DVR.
Step 4
Turn the cable box on with its remote. Select a channel, using the remote. Press the DVR's "Record" button on the remote it comes with, or on its front panel, to record the TV channel.
References
Tips
- If there is a monitor attached to the DVR, it can be used to watch the recorded TV picture.
Writer Bio
Alice Godfrey is a marketing analyst with more than 15 years of experience in her field. She holds a Ph.D. in social and personality psychology. Past positions include market research analyst at various advertising agencies and corporations. Her articles on a wide variety of issues relating to entertainment have appeared in numerous trade publications.