Recording TV Programs to DVDs for Educational Use

I have many teachers ask me to record things on VHS for them from television so they can show it in the classroom.  However, the time of the VHS tape is over.  VCR machines and VHS tapes are becoming throw-away items.  If there is a program on television that a teacher wants to show to their classroom, here are a few more modern options:

1) See if it is available for purchase on DVD.  Many times I can find the program to purchase on-line on DVD, allowing me to own it and show it to current and future classes.

2) See if it is available on YouTube or Safari Montage.

3) Instead of owning a video machine for recording shows onto VHS tape... get yourself a DVD Recorder for recording shows onto a DVD.  Yes, this tech has been available for quite awhile now, but many people are unaware of it.  Just go to Best Buy on-line, search for DVD Recorder, and you will find this device that will allow you to record programs from your TV or DVR to a DVD which you can then play in a DVD player at school.

IMPORTANT:  If the program you are recording is temporary for educational use, you are most likely not breaking copyright due to what is called "Fair Use."  However, if you intend to keep this program to watch again and again over the years, you should actually purchase the official DVD.  Why not go on Amazon.com and search for it?  You'll probably find it at a good price.  :)