How can I link my VCR to the HDTW in order to record programing?

You don't record from TV, you record from cable so cable needs to be hooked up to input on VCR.
If you don't use cable box you would hook cable to VCR then out of VCR to TV. If you use cable box then you need to connect Video and Audio outputs on cable box to Video and Audio inputs on VCR and switch input of VCR to Line input.

If your using digital cable it will only record channel 3 or 4 depending on what your cable box is set to...In order for it to record different channels it needs a cable source plugged directly into it. You will only be able to record standard cable channels 1-125. If it's digital cable forget about... you can only record it with channel 3/4 a solution to this would be using a 2nd digital box.. "auto-programming" may be limited even with a 2nd cable box. If your only using standard cable 1-125... you can use the TV/VCR button it will switch between the tuner of the TV & VCR allowing you to record while you watch a different show... keep in mind this won't work for digital channels which if I'm not mistaken comcast has already converted all channels to digital even basic.

There are a few things you must do in order to program a recording. One, you must make sure that the vcr clock is set. Two, the vcr must be set on the right date, as does the recording. Three, make sure that the daylight savings, AM/PM, etc. settings are saved accordingly. Also, if you have the operating manual for the vcr, you could check it for exact program instructions. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck! Sincerely, Der Strom

There are 2 options-
Option 1
Connect the coax cables in the following order.
1 From the wall to the input of the converter box.
2. From the output of the converter box to the input of the VCR.
3. From the VCR to the TV input.

Here is how you record with this option.
1. Tune the converter box to the channel you wish to record.
2. Turn the channel on the VCR to channel 3 or program the VCR to record channel 3 this will record whatever channel you have your converter box set to at the time of the recording.

Option 2- (will not work on satellite)
1. From the wall to a 2 way splitter (made for digital cable. General rule of thumb with digital cable is gold does not usually mean good.)
2. One output from the splitter to the converter box and the other to the input of the VCR.
3. Connect an Audio Video (RCA (yellow/red/white cable)) from the VCR to the TV input.
4. Select the appropriate input on the TV for the VCR.

Here is how you record with option-
Tune the VCR to the channel you wish to record and push the record button or program the timer to record the channel and time that you wish.
Note- with this option you will only be able to record channels that you would receive without the converter box. Also each time that you split the cable line you loose part of your incoming signal and depending on how you house is set up this option could affect the quality of your digital signals on the converter box.

The answer to your question, "Does this have anything to do with the fact that the VCR and TV are now on cable?" is no.

The outside antenna and the cable are input signal sources only and have no effect on the functions of the VCR.

It sounds like you have an electronic problem with the timer circuitry. In order to locate exactly where the timer circuitry is located, you would need a service manual for your particular VCR. Using the service manual, you may or may not be able to repair it.

My suspicion is that it would be cheaper to just purchase a new VCR if timed recording is important to you.

Yes just set the timer programs on each line in the set timer "page". You just change the date and times on each line in order.

here ya go: http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-remote.pl?mdl=RMY128

Why not simply record a channel tuned into the vcr and use your tv remote to watch a channel tuned into your tv? that is how it is normaly done... don't forget a vcr/pvr/dvd recorder has it's own channels just like a tv does... just no screen of it's own the tv has of course it's own channels and in fact does not even need to be switched on in order for your recorder to record a program neither does the recorder need to be on to use your tv

The VCR will have to be on channel 60 as well in order to record a program. Hope this helps....accordianman

If the VCR has no tuner, you must have another tuner connected (such as a cable or satellite box) in order to be able to record anything. This tuner will then select the channel to be recorded.