Limewire is totally legal. VCRs with recording buttons are totally legal.
Downloading copywritten content off of limewire is illegal (most songs, movies etc.)
Recording copywritten television off of the airwaves is illegal without expressed written consent. (this means all popular tv shows, movies, etc)
Downloading creative commons songs off of limewire is legal. Recording creative commons programs (few, far between and they are terrible) off of television is totally legal.
I can buy a VCR at walmart. I can buy a shotgun at walmart. I can either use them legally or illegally. If you don’t get caught murdering someone, it’s still illegal. If you don’t get brought to court for copyright infringment, it’s still illegal.
Email one of the companies that produces the shows you record and ask them if it’s legal. Assuming they don’t bring you up charges, they will tell you that copyright infringement is illegal.