Since the recorder mode will still be relying on a set which has digital (TV), the fact that you have digitial TV will determine how the VCR records. I believe, nothing is needed for digital TV; it's already digital-compliant. (And, when a tape is popped in the player, it's not dependent on the TV for anything other than its play mode.)

People with satellite or with cable needn't do a thing when the transition takes place. (They're getting digital signals/transmissions).

People with newer TVs, that are digital, also needn't do a thing.