How to Hook Up an Old Beta VCR
- 1). Disconnect your cable connection linking your cable or satellite receiver box to the TV. You can disconnect it at either end, but doing so from the TV is best.
- 2). Connect the cable/satellite's output to the input port on the Beta player. This uses the same RF coaxial cable used to connect the cable/satellite to the TV. Twist the cable's connector into its threaded port.
- 3). Attach the Beta VCR's input cable to the TV set. Most of the time you will need an RF coaxial connection. However, a few Beta players have the RCA composite connection (with the yellow, white and red plugs).
- 4). Plug in the Beta's power cord and turn it on. If it has a channel tuner, set it to the same TV channel that carries your cable or satellite signal (usually channel 3). Use the manual buttons on the console, since Beta players don't have remote controls.
- 5). Insert a Beta cassette into the VCR. These are smaller than VHS cassettes, measuring approximately 6" x 4". Also, most players use a top-down loading process, where the cassette chamber will rise out of the top and and needs to be pushed down after a tape is inserted.
- 6). Push the "Video" button on the VCR before playing the cassette. Otherwise, the video won't appear on screen. The video button doesn't automatically come on when hitting "Play," as with most VHS players.
Source...