I have cable. I am using a Sony SLV-N55 vcr recording daily programs. M-F I have a number of VHS tapes that I would like to dub to DVD's. Can I connect my old Sony VCR direct to a DVD recorder to dub or do I have to use a DVD-VCR combo? I saw on the internet one reviewer could not record preprogramed shows when the TV was off. He had a Toshiba DR 550. My Sony records whether the TV is on or off. I could go to Tivo or such but it would cost me a fortune to send my VHS tapes off to dub them to DVD's. Will my Sony VCR work after June 9.
I will probably buy a DVD recorder based on the above answers.Are there any suggestions on buying a DVD recorder that does not do everything under the sun but is reliable and easy to use. I am 80 and technology has left me in the dust. Thanks for any information you may offer.

Click #1 in my signature for two DVDRs that have 160GB HDD that eliminate disc handling for daily timer recording of your favorite shows... set timer for M-F, turn unit on after recording, select title, press PLAY.

The HDD may sound "intimidating" but it really is the easiest way to go for a DVD newbie and, once you use one, you'll never look back!

You can connect your existing VCR to a DVDR input and copy them to the HDD, then edit them if you want to, then make a DVD copy in high-speed from the HDD to the DVD whenever you want.

ditto, unless you want lots of problems don't bother with any of the cheaper DVDRs.
My father went from VHS to a DVDR only and was never satisfied. Once he got a HDD DVDR he's back to being satisfied again:)

Go with the Magnavox H2160 DVD/HDD machine recommended by wajo and jjeff, especially if you get your TV using an off-air antenna: it would be the easiest for you to manage. Yes, you can connect your Sony VCR to it to copy your old tapes to DVD. No, the TV doesn't have to be on for it to record. After the digital broadcast changeover, your Sony VCR will not be able to record any TV shows unless you connect one of the ATSC converter boxes to it (these function much like the tuner built into the Magnavox DVD recorder, they convert the new broadcast signals into something your VCR can record). The best of these converter boxes for most people is the Zenith DTT901 available at Kmart, it sells for $49.95 but if you have your $40 government subsidy coupon that knocks the price down to $9.95.

I saw on the internet one reviewer could not record preprogramed shows when the TV was off. He had a Toshiba DR 550.Don't know if this was what he was trying to do, but that would be the case if his TV had A/V out, and he was trying to record from the TV directly to the recorder.