The description for setting up the LG RC897T VCR/DVD recorder says to "tune the TV to the recorder output channel (3 or 4) and set the recorder channel selector to the cable output channel" - so where do you find the recorder output channel ? Is it on a setup menu that I can't see ? The quick setup guide says that when you power up, you will see see menus (on the TV?) like startup - home - setting time .... we can't get anything to show up.

The most likely issue is the output resolution on the RC397T. It could be set to 1080p (progressive) and needs to be 1080i (interlaced). I've seen this happen with other set top boxes. On the front panel of the DVD/VCR recorder, there is a button labeled Res. It's to the left of the USB port and to the right of the DVD/VCR selection button. Each press of the button will change to a different resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i for HDMI. (The resolution button also changes the component out resolution between 480i and 480p. You may need to step through these choices, as well, even if the component out isn't in use.)

Due to some issues with resetting the resolution, you may need to turn off the DVD recorder and possibly the TV after some of the resolution changes to see any video output change.

I hope this helps. The user manual for the RC897T is available from the support page: https://www.lg.com/us/support/product/lg-RC897T.BUSALLK . The manual link is on the right hand side of the page. My browser gives the direct link to the manual as https://gscs-b2c.lge.com/downloadFile?fileId=KROWM000185603.pdf . See page 60 for the front panel button descriptions.

Cindy Wells

If your TV has the standard analog audio and video inputs (yellow, red and white jacks) or for better image (S-Video rounded 4 pin jack or component video red, blue and green jacks), you'll only need the corresponding cables, and also your TV could have HDMI port (digital video and audio signals), you should use this connection, all depends of what type of outputs provide your DVD/VCR, in the case your TV set doesn't has any of mentioned inputs, you still could use the antenna input and connect its matching output from DVD/VCR , tuned at VHF channel 3 or 4.

I had the same problem myself. To fix it,I went into the menu for my Television set and changed the setting to VCR/DVD ... then I used the remote for the LG combo and changed that setting to AVI 1 using the 'input' button under the #9. It would not show on the front of my LG combo but did show on the TV screen. The problem is that your combo and television are not communicating with one another,like speaking 2 different languages.

If a cable box is not required for cable signal reception, connect the cable line to the ANT. IN connector on the recorder.
If a cable box is required for cable signal reception, connect the cable line to the IN connector of the cable box. Connect a coaxial cable from the OUT connector of the cable box to the ANT. IN connector of the recorder.
To view or record a CATV channel:

1. Tune the TV to the Recorder output channel (CH 3 or 4).
2. Set the Recorder channel selector to the cable output channel. (Example: CH3).
3. Select a channel using the cable converter.

With this connection, you cannot record one program while viewing another.If you are using a cable box to tune channels, it is not necessary to do Auto Channel Set.

Solution 1

How to set the DVD Recorder+VCR’s RF output channel
Turn off the DVD Recorder+VCR, then press and hold
CH (v/V) on the front panel for about five
seconds to change the RF output channel (CH 03 or
CH 04). “RF 03” or “RF 04” appears on the front panel display.

Solution 2

Cable Service With Cable Box
If a cable box is required in your cable system, follow the
instructions shown below. This hookup permits both TV and
DVD Recorder+VCR operation.
To view or record a CATV channel:
1 Tune the TV to the correct video input channel.
2 Set the DVD Recorder+VCR to the output channel of the
cable box using the CH (v / V) or the 0-9 keys on your DVD
Recorder+VCR (e.g., CH3).
3 Select the channel you wish to view on the cable box.


Please rate this a fixya

Any vcr I know of usually is tuned through channels 3 or 4 unless they are hooked up directly by RCA patchcord. 3 pronged- 2 audio and 1 video. With the patchcord you'll be tuning through an auxilary input in the tv.

Manufacturer Codes
LG/Goldstar 1, 2
Zenith 1, 3, 4
Samsung 6, 7
Sony 8, 9
Hitachi 4

That is the whole list from the manual

I believe Viore is the same as Samsung. I only noticed this by accident as I bought a Viore TV and my friend bought a Samsung and I noticed both remotes were identical. I tried the Samsung codes and the remote worked. Good luck! Kevin

tune in the AV channel on the VCR to the TV and save the settings, then you should be able to record your programmes


kind regards

Here is my setup.
1) Separate DVD player 2) Separate VCR 3) Digital to Analog Converter box 4) Analog TV 5) Rabbit ears (UHF/VHF) antenna
The antenna goes into the converter box.   The RF-output of the converter goes into the RF-Input of the VCR The DVD output goes into the front input jacks of the VCR The VCR RF-output goes into the TV RF-Input The VCR Line output goes into the front of the TV
To watch DVDs, we turn on the DVD player, turn on the VCR, and set the VCR channel to L2, and tune the TV to channel 3.  The converter is off.
To auto record on the VCR, the converter must be tuned to the station being recorded.  The converted must be turned on, the TV can be off. 
To watch VCR tapes, turn the TV and VCR on.  The TV is set to channel 3.  Just press play on the VCR.
To Watch TV.   Turn the TV and converter on.  The TV is set to channel 3.   Change the stations using the converter.