I am trying to record from cable tv to dvd and also dub a vcr tape to dvd. i've tried both dvd -r and +r. do i need to format these disks first, also when done do i need to finalize and or make compatible. i don't get any error messages.

You need a set of RCA AV dubbing cables (available at fine electronics stores everywhere), and a couple VCRs. Plug the cables into the "A/V Out" jacks on the back of the VCR that will be playing, and into the "A/V In" jacks on the VCR that will record.

Also on the recording VCR, use a regular coaxial cable to attach it to a television.

Now, set the TV to 3, fire up the VCR's, and set the recording VCR's TV/VCR toggle to VCR. Also on the one that is recording, set the channel to "INPUT" or "AUX" or something like that. (You're telling it to record what it sees coming from the jacks you plugged the cables into.) Then hit Play on the other machine. You should be able to see your tape playing back. If you do, you have followed these directions correctly, and you're ready to make your dub.

HINT: The first few feet of tape are often prone to dropout and generally sucking. Record a minute of black before making your dub. Mark this on the tape or tell them when you turn it in. They will be impressed.

OK here's what the user manual has to say on it!
PS If you need the user manual I will E-Mail on request.

Prepare for the recording on the DVDRW/ R disc or the videotape. Make sure:• Insert a recordable disc and a videotape with a record tab.
Note for recording to a disc:
• Make sure that the disc is recordable.
1
Hit [SETUP].
Easy Setting Menu or Advanced Setting Menu will appear. If Advanced Setting Menu is displayed,
proceed to step 3.
2
Using [K / L], select “Advanced Setting Menu”.
Hit [ENTER].Advanced Setting Menu will appear.
3
Using [K / L], select “Recording”. Hit [ENTER].
Recording menu will appear.
4
Using [K / L], select “Dubbing Mode”. Hit
[ENTER]. Option window will appear.
Recording
Auto Chapter 10 minutes
Timer Programming
DVD-RW Recording Format Video mode
Auto Finalize
Dubbing Mode VCR DVD
VCR DVD
Recording
Auto Chapter 10 minutes
Timer Programming
DVD-RW Recording Format Video mode
Auto Finalize
Dubbing Mode VCR DVD
DVD
VCR
DVD-RW DVD-R
VR
DVD-RW
Video
Note
For VCR to DVD duplication: • After starting VCR to DVD duplication, the picture may be distorted because of the auto tracking function. This is not a malfunction.
5
Using [K / L], select “VCR DVD”. Hit [ENTER].
6
Hit [SETUP] to exit. Make sure to select a recording speed using [REC SPEED].
7
Hit [PLAY B].Then hit [PAUSE F] at the point you
wish to start recording.
• Since it takes about a few seconds before the actual dubbing begins, please allow extra 5 seconds
when selecting the starting point.
8
Hit [DUBBING].
VCR to DVD duplication will start.
9
Hit [STOP C] to stop the
recording.
When you turn off the unit after setting the Dubbing Mode to DVD VCR, the setting will be set to VCR DVD automatically.
• Dubbing Mode is available only if the videotape or disc is not copy protected.
• You cannot change the output mode during VCR to DVD or DVD to VCR duplication.

For VCR to DVD duplication:
• The playback sound mode is followed by the setting of VCR playback sound mode on page 77. Set the playback sound mode to which you wish to record to the DVD.

You need a DVD recorder. Hook the VCR to the inputs on that and you will be set. Just put a blank DVD+/-R in, hit record, then hit play on the VCR.

If you don't have a DVD recorder you'd have to capture it into a computer and convert it to DVD format then burn to disc.

I bought a ;magnavox dvd disc and cassette recorder combo.
I am having trouble with setup items? I get nothing on the screen to select from?

I called the manufacturer and realized I was using the wrong type of recordable DVD disc to dub to. Non copy protected VHS tapes dub just fine as long as I'm using the proper disc.

I have done a lot of dubbing on my machine. First make sure the DVD is formatted. When you put in a new disc it should ask you if you want to initialize. Once that is done, switch to VCR mode. push play on the VCR then push the DUB button on the front of the machine. I hope it helps.

I just gave up. I was told this tv didn't have a video input. Just decided to recford on my old vcr and just use the dvd/vcr to dub tapes to dvds. thanks anyway. JoElla

I'd guess you are using cable TV-some cable companies put their own copyguard on the cable signal, Comcast, in my area does this. The DVD sees the 'do not copy signal' and won't do it.
Try recording directly to DVD without using the HDD drive. If you get a playable disk, I doubt it is your machine. If you don't get a playable disk, that plays in THAT machine-it is the machine..

Connect it to your TV set or cable box, just like you would a regular VCR. Then put a blank disc or tape in to record from either the DVD drive or the VCR drive. There should be an easy dubbing button to record from VCR to DVD. (I don't have this particular machine; I have two other brands of combo recorders, and I use them both like I would a regular VCR. This one shouldn't be any different.)

As i recall, +r's will only format in dvd vr, the unit does not like high speed recording disks. switch to dvd drive - insert blank disk - if no format screen - goto (on remote) setup - onscreen menu - system setup - disc setup - new disk format - hit center button in ring on remote to change to vr or move up to reformat as vr. once disk is formatted, use record speed button on remote to set record speed 1,2,4,6 hr then switch to tape deck with tape in and stopped at begining, on remote hit dubbing, it will ask you confirm dubbing vhs-dvd .... toggle over to yes & hit center button... away you should go... c245 is a copyguarded tape.