VCR setup and recording

I sometimes still record on VCR and have two questions.  First, the coaxial cable goes from the wall to the VCR/DVD player rather than from the wall to the TV.  A second cable connects the VCR/DVD to the TV.   Which cable should be connected to the minibox in order to still allow the VCR player to work?   Second, I can currently pre-program the VCR to tape at some later time when I'm not in the house and the TV is not on.  Will I still be able to do this?  Thanks.