DVD machines

I found that my tape player and recorder seem to work for the new set up our T.V is going to need. Anyway, everytime they have a test on what I have, the T.V picture does not disappear. My daughter is getting us one just in case these test are false but it looks like we really don't need to buy one of TV converter boxes. Have any of you found your vcr, dvd player passes the test they have on the T.V to see if your set up is O.K.