What kind of TV do you have? I assume it's an older analogue TV not a digital HDTV? Hence the box

I don't understand why you would have to have the VCR turned on to tune some channels. If the antenna only goes to the box, and not to the VCR, the VCR can't do any tuning anyway.

What are the inputs on the box called that the VCR is plugged into? Is there an input selector on the converter box remote?

Does the TV have any other input jacks besides an antenna input?

Finally, which channels are acting this way?

No, I have a late TV model with HDMI, component and rca inputs. The reason i am using the box is because i do not have cable and have to use the AUX connection with the box. The way I mentioned in my OP is the only way I know on how to record with the vcr. I did try since I posted my op differently, with the ANT going to the RF of the vcr and the vcr out going to the TV, and I couldn't record in that setup. I lost my manual for the box, but I think I read at one time, that u can only have one or the other type of connection, not both at the same time. Would u know if that is correct?

Hhhhmmmm. Most hi def TVs that had HDMI connectors (instead of DVI) had digital ATSC tuners, but I suppose there was a brief period around 2004-2005 when they might not have. If it does and you still need to use the VCR to record for some reason, you would more logically split the antenna signal w/a two way splitter (for minimal attenuation) and connect the VCR to the TV using the rca inputs. If it's a typical VCR it doesn't generate a higher signal quality than that anyhow.

I'm certainly no expert, but am old enough to have used VCRs etc. It seems to me that you use a splitter or get two little antennas. I am mostly 30 or more miles away from transmitter towers (and not on the plains) and yet can use little $2.00 'bow tie' antennas. One signal goes to the box and the other to the HDMI TV. Box goes to VCR and as davidrt says, VCR out goes to TV. I know nothing about the converter boxes but I would guess you could program either the VCR or the Box for recording. Other times the box/vcr can be off.