It's not entirely clear as to which sockets each of your devices has.
If they've both got HDMI sockets then using an HDMI lead should be your first choice.
If they've both got Scart sockets (and you don't need the Scart socket on your TV for something else) then it's a Scart lead you need.
If neither of those are available, but they've both got RCA sockets (a.k.a. phono sockets, with the three different coloured plugs), then you need a phono-to-phono lead.
If you've only got RCA sockets on one device, but a Scart on the other, then you need a Scart-to-phono lead (which sounds like what you've mentioned in your post). However with such a lead you need to take care, as there's often an 'In/Out' switch on the Scart socket, which needs to be in the correct position. (If you've got the Scart connector plugged into the DVD recorder, the switch needs to be in the 'Out' position. If it's plugged into the TV, it needs to be in the 'In' position).
IMPORTANTLY though, none of those will work unless you've selected the correct source from the TV's menu. To do so you need to first look for the 'Source' button on the TV's remote control. (It's often marked by a rounded rectangle, with an arrow pointing into it). After pressing it you need to select 'HDMI' or 'Scart', as appropriate, or (if you're using the three coloured sockets on your TV) 'AV'.