So you want to know connect your DVD player to a VCR, TV or receiver. This is a very simple process that only requires knowing which type of connections are available to you, and which are the best for what you are looking for. Here we will cover all four of the major connection types, HDMI, S-Video, Component and Composite video, and what to do when the answer is none of the above.
Instructions
1. Connect your DVD player using an HDMI cable. HDMI cable is by far the best option you can use to connect your DVD player to your TV or receiver. VCR users cannot use this connection (skip to Step 3). An HDMI cable is a long, virtually flat connector, almost always labeled "HDMI," and will be on virtually any new DVD player. Your HDMI cable not only carries a video signal, but will carry a full digital audio signal as well, all via one cord, so you avoid having multiple cables running every which way.
2. Connect your DVD player using a set of Component Video cables. This is next best option to HDMI, and will get you a very similar-looking picture. These cables can connect to a receiver or TV, but, like HDMI, not your VCR. You have capability for these cables if you have ports that are blue, green and red that are right next to each other labeled "video." These cords can also carry an HD picture, but you will need separate audio cables in this case. These audio cables will be red and white, and will hook into red and white jacks near your component video ports.
3. Connect your DVD player using an S-Video cable. This option has potential to work on a VCR, receiver and TV. You will know if you have S-Video capability by looking for a port that is round and black, with 4 pin-sized holes in it and one larger square hole. If you are using S-Video, you will also need to use separate audio cables. These audio cables will be red and white, and will hook into red and white jacks near you S-Video video port.
4. Connect your DVD player using a Composite Video cable. This option has potential to work on any of the three devices as well. Generally, your DVD player will come with a set of yellow, red and white cables; the yellow of these three cables is your composite video wire. You can also use the red and white cables that are attached to it for the audio; search for yellow, red and white ports on your devices and hook in using these wires.
5. Connect your DVD player using an RF-modulator. This is what you need to do if you are hooking a DVD player into an older-model TV or VCR that only has old-style round coaxial ports. These coaxial ports are round and silver, and have screw threads. An RF-modulator can be purchased at Radio Shack for around $30, and is roughly the size of a small paperback book. Using the method described in Step 4, hook your yellow/red/white cables into the RF modulator. Then take the coaxial wire that comes with the RF-modulator (a round metal end with a small pin sticking out of it), and connect your RF modulator to your TV or VCR. Generally, you will need to turn your TV or VCR to Channel 3 if you do this.
Tags: your player, Connect your, Connect your player, player using, your player using, audio cables, HDMI cable
