2019-6-26 · Bonus tip: What about recording with an old VCR? Hooking up an old VCR player to a new HDTV to watch old VHS tapes is one thing; trying to record with an old VCR is a whole different deal, however. First of all, your old VCR might not be able to record TV shows at all—not even off an antenna—unless it has a digital TV tuner.