What model dish receiver do you have?

I am running two 721s (video 2 & 3 inputs of the 990).

To record to my DVD recorder I take the 721 outputs and split them with RCAs. One limb goes to the 990 input while the other goes to the input of DVD recorder. I take the output of the DVD recorder and feed it to an old TV for monitoring.
No need to be concerned with volume here.

Howeever if I want to record (copy) from an old VHS or laserdisc, both of which feed the 990 I use zone-2 out and feed the third input of my DVD recorder. Only thing to remember is be sure zzone 2's volume is high enough. I usually record at -1 or 0.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need more "input"