This wikiHow teaches you how to connect a DVD player, VCR, and digital cable television box to your television using the best connection possible.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Preparing the Connection
Step 1. Check the television input
There are several ports on the back or side of the television that can be connected with a cable. Depending on the age and model of your television, you may see some or all of the following entries:
- RCA - Red, yellow and white circle ports. This input is most commonly seen on VCRs, DVD players, and other older consoles.
- HDMI - Flat and wide input used in high definition devices. Television is common to have this input.
- S-video - Insert a circle made of plastic with several holes in it. This input is ideal for obtaining optimal image quality from older technology devices, such as old VCRs or DVD players. S-video doesn't carry sound so you'll need a red and white RCA cable to connect to a DVD player or VCR.
Step 2. Check the output on the DVD player, VCR, and cable television box
Your options for connecting your device to your television depend on the type of connection available:
- DVD player - Usually has an RCA, s-video, and/or HDMI connection.
- VCR - RCA and/or s-video.
- Cable television box - HDMI, although some older cable television boxes have RCA outputs.
Step 3. Decide what you want to prioritize
When it comes to picture quality, DVD players and cable television boxes should take priority over VCRs. That is, if possible both should use an HDMI cable, and the RCA or s-video connection left for the VCR.
- If your television only has an HDMI input, we recommend connecting it to the cable television box and using a different type of connection for the DVD player.
- If you have a receiver that connects your television to your television's HDMI input, you can connect a DVD player and cable television box to the receiver with an HDMI cable.
Step 4. Get the right cable for each device
It really depends on the type (and number) of connections the television has:
- DVD player - Ideally, wear it HDMI if possible. Otherwise, use RCA cable or cable s-video. Since DVDs have better picture quality than VHS tapes, use cables s-video here instead for the VCR if needed.
- VCR - We recommend using RCA cable or s-video cable for VCRs. Usually, your options depend on the connection you want to use for the DVD player.
- Cable television box - You need HDMI cable for attaching to cable and television boxes, and coaxial cable to connect the box to a cable television service.
Step 5. Buy a cable you don't have
Most DVD players, VCRs, and cable television boxes include the cables needed to make the device work; however, if you are using s-video or HDMI in a box equipped with RCA, you will need to purchase the correct cable at a computer or electronics store.
- If you buy an s-video cable, make sure you get the right cable.
- When buying cables, you don't have to buy the most expensive cables. An HDMI or s-video cable should not cost more than Rp. 150,000-Rp. 200,000, depending on where you are shopping (online stores usually provide the lowest prices).
Step 6. Turn off and unplug the television power cord
Your television must be turned off and the power cord unplugged before it can be connected to the device.
Part 2 of 4: Connecting a DVD Player
Step 1. Locate the DVD player connector cable
You must use an HDMI cable or s-video cable for the DVD player.
If you're using an s-video cable for your DVD player, you'll also need the red and white RCA cables
Step 2. Connect the cable to the DVD player
Connect the HDMI or s-video cable to the appropriate port on the back of the DVD player.
If you're using an s-video cable, you'll also need to connect the red and white RCA cables to the red and white ports on the back of the DVD player
Step 3. Connect the cable to the television
Insert the other end of the HDMI or s-video cable into the back or side of the television. You'll also need to connect the red and white RCA cables to the red and white ports on the back of the television if you're using s-video.
If you use the receiver for your television, you can use the receiver's input instead of the television
Step 4. Connect the DVD player to a power outlet
Connect the DVD player's power cord to an electrical socket. You can use a wall socket or a socket in a surge protector.
Part 3 of 4: Connecting the VCR
Step 1. Locate the VCR connector cable
If you're using an s-video cable, you'll also be using the red and white RCA cables that are usually wired for VCRs. Otherwise, just use RCA cables (red, white, and yellow wires).
Step 2. Connect the cables to the VCR
Connect the s-video cable to the back of the VCR. RCA cables are usually wired to the VCR; otherwise, connect at least the red and white wires to the red and white ports on the back of the VCR.
If not using an s-video cable, make sure the yellow RCA cable is also connected to the VCR
Step 3. Connect the other end of the cable to the television
Connect the free end of the s-video cable to the "S-Video In" slot on the back or side of the television, then connect the red and white cables to the red and white ports on the back or side of the television.
If you use the receiver for your television, you can use the receiver's input instead of the television
Step 4. Connect the DVD player to a power source
Plug the DVD player's power cord into an electrical outlet, either a wall socket or a surge protector.
If the VCR cable is not connected to the console itself, plug it into the back of the VCR
Part 4 of 4: Connecting the Cable Television Box
Step 1. Find the cable in the cable television box
You will need a minimum of three cables for the box: a coaxial cable, an HDMI cable, and a power cable.
Step 2. Attach the coaxial cable to the cable television box
The coaxial input in the cable television box resembles a metal cylinder with a hole in the center and a screw groove, while the coaxial cable has a needle-like connection. Insert the needle into the center of the coaxial input, then screw the cable head clockwise to secure the connection.
Step 3. Attach the other end of the coaxial cable to the cable output
On the wall behind the television, there is a coaxial output that looks similar to the one behind the cable television box. Attach a coaxial cable to this output as in a cable television box.
If the coaxial output is elsewhere in the room, you will need a longer coaxial cable and install it according to the length of the room
Step 4. Connect the HDMI cable to the cable television box
Locate the "HDMI OUT" (or similarly labeled) slot on the back of the cable television box and connect it with one end of the HDMI cable.
Step 5. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the television
If you only have one HDMI port on the back or side of your television, make sure you use it for your cable box.
If you are using the receiver on your television, you can use the receiver's HDMI input instead of the television
Step 6. Connect the cable television box to a power source
Connect one end of the power cord to an electrical outlet (such as a wall socket or surge protector), then connect the other end to the cable television box.
Tips
- When using RCA cables, keep in mind the following sequence: red is for the right audio channel, white is for the left audio channel, yellow is for video. This knowledge will help you diagnose sound or video problems if they arise.
- You should always place the VCR at the bottom of the video image quality level. DVDs have a higher possible picture quality than VHS tapes, and cable television boxes should always be HDMI-connected from the start.
Warning
- Always make sure the television is off and the power cord is disconnected when changing inputs.
- Placing too many components (from DVD players, VCRs, cable television boxes, consoles, etc.) too close together can cause overheating.
