Setting Up Your VCR to Use the VCR Plus+ System
Using the VCR Plus+ system is easy. Simply enter thePlusCode number of the show you wish to record into your VCR and the show will be recorded.
Here's how it works:
To get the code, click on a television show within the TV Listings and click on the “Get VCR Plus+ Codes” link in the middle of the page. They are the 2 to 8 digit numbers listed in the right column. Simply enter these numbers into your VCR Plus+ equipped VCR. (The VCR Plus+ logo should be on the front of the VCR) Make sure you turn off your VCR after entering the PlusCode numbers and insert a tape into your machine. The VCR will turn itself on and switch to the appropriate paired-up channel when it is time to record your favorite program. VCR Plus+ does require a set-up procedure called channel mapping. Please refer to the channel mapping section below for instructions
Channel Mapping
If you own VCR Plus+ SILVER or VCR Plus+ GOLD (indicated by the logo on the front of the VCR) this process is done automatically after you enter your Zip Code during the set-up process.
VCR Plus+ requires a one-time setup process that is called channel mapping. However, if your cable company moves a channel to a new number, you will need to repeat this process.
Step 1: Click on the Channel Mapping Guide.
Step 2: For almost every channel there is a VCR Plus+ assigned number. These 2 to 3 digit numbers are called GUIDE Numbers. (Note: for broadcast stations these numbers are usually identical to their broadcast channel numbers and therefore no channel mapping process is required) These Guide Numbers can be found on the Channel Mapping Guide.
Step 3: Go into set-up function for VCR Plus+ on your VCR (Please consult your VCR manual as this procedure varies by VCR manufacturer). You must pair up the GUIDE number for every station you wish to record with VCR Plus+ by entering the dial number of that station. Again, the GUIDE number is the number assigned to each channel, located on your Channel Mapping Guide, and the dial number is the number you tune your TV to receive that station. For example: you would pair up the GUIDE number 33 for HBO and then enter 24 since that is the number you receive it at home.
There is no GUIDE channel or VCR Plus+ number for the channel I want to record.
There are up to 600 channels available on all the cable systems in each local area, thus many channels can't have VCR Plus+ guide assignments or PlusCode numbers. This is because VCRs with VCR Plus+ are limited in the number of channels that can be accommodated in the VCR Plus+ system. Most VCRs today can pair up 125 VCR Plus+ guide channels with your cable system channels. TV Guide Online accommodates up to 120 channels available in your local area. These 120 channels have been selected because they are available to the greatest number of subscribers in the local cable systems.
