Learn how to connect your high-definition television to a cable or satellite box and a DVD or DVR unit using the right cables for the best picture and sound quality.
High-definition television (HDTV) offers superior resolution, featuring about two million pixels per frame—roughly five times the quality of standard television sets. However, your high-tech television is of little use without programs and movies to watch. To get the most out of your setup, you can connect cable or satellite boxes, or DVD players, to make your viewing experience more enjoyable. Hooking up your HDTV to these devices is simple when you follow a few easy steps.
Here is how to hook up your HDTV to your cable/satellite box and DVD (DVDR) unit:
Know your input and output jacks. The number of ports on the back of your HDTV might seem confusing, but you will have a much easier time if you familiarize yourself with them beforehand. Look for the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, which supplies both audio and video to deliver the highest possible resolution when connected to your digital converter box. You can also use the Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr input and output ports, which offer good resolution and are easy to identify because they are color-coded (red, blue, and green). An S-Video cable port is another option, though it only offers passable resolution, and using it means not taking full advantage of your HDTV's capabilities.
Connect the cable/satellite to the HDTV. Locate the coaxial cable that supplies your cable connection, which is likely attached to the wall. Connect this coaxial cable to the port labeled "IN" on the back of your cable/satellite box. Next, get an HDMI cable. An HDMI cable is a connection system that links digital devices to televisions while supporting standard- to high-definition video formats. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your HDTV and the other end to your cable/satellite box.
Connect the cable/satellite box to the DVD unit. Get a composite cable, which allows users to connect electronic devices like a cable/satellite box and a DVD unit. A standard composite cable has plugs on both ends featuring three connectors (yellow, red, and white). Connect one end to the cable/satellite box and the other end to the DVD (DVR) unit.
Connect the DVD (DVR) unit to the HDTV. Get another HDMI cable and use it to connect the DVD (DVR) unit to the HDTV. Look at the back of the DVD (DVR) unit for the "OUT" label, and connect one end of the HDMI cable there. Afterward, look for the "IN" label on the back of the HDTV and connect the other end of the HDMI cable. Finally, get another composite cable and connect both ends to the HDTV and the DVD (DVR) unit. Once all cables are connected, check to ensure everything is working properly.
An HDTV is a great investment, but you cannot enjoy it without content to watch. You can easily install your own cable box and DVD player right at home. All you need is a little patience to get the job done. Follow these steps and you will be watching your favorite programs in no time.
How to Hook Up Your HDTV to Your Cable/Satellite Box and DVD/DVR Unit
Learn how to connect your high-definition television to a cable or satellite box and a DVD or DVR unit using the right cables for the best picture and sound quality.
High-definition television (HDTV) offers superior resolution, featuring about two million pixels per frame—roughly five times the quality of standard television sets. However, your high-tech television is of little use without programs and movies to watch. To get the most out of your setup, you can connect cable or satellite boxes, or DVD players, to make your viewing experience more enjoyable. Hooking up your HDTV to these devices is simple when you follow a few easy steps.
Here is how to hook up your HDTV to your cable/satellite box and DVD (DVDR) unit:
Know your input and output jacks. The number of ports on the back of your HDTV might seem confusing, but you will have a much easier time if you familiarize yourself with them beforehand. Look for the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, which supplies both audio and video to deliver the highest possible resolution when connected to your digital converter box. You can also use the Y, Pb/Cb, Pr/Cr input and output ports, which offer good resolution and are easy to identify because they are color-coded (red, blue, and green). An S-Video cable port is another option, though it only offers passable resolution, and using it means not taking full advantage of your HDTV's capabilities.
Connect the cable/satellite to the HDTV. Locate the coaxial cable that supplies your cable connection, which is likely attached to the wall. Connect this coaxial cable to the port labeled "IN" on the back of your cable/satellite box. Next, get an HDMI cable. An HDMI cable is a connection system that links digital devices to televisions while supporting standard- to high-definition video formats. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to your HDTV and the other end to your cable/satellite box.
Connect the cable/satellite box to the DVD unit. Get a composite cable, which allows users to connect electronic devices like a cable/satellite box and a DVD unit. A standard composite cable has plugs on both ends featuring three connectors (yellow, red, and white). Connect one end to the cable/satellite box and the other end to the DVD (DVR) unit.
Connect the DVD (DVR) unit to the HDTV. Get another HDMI cable and use it to connect the DVD (DVR) unit to the HDTV. Look at the back of the DVD (DVR) unit for the "OUT" label, and connect one end of the HDMI cable there. Afterward, look for the "IN" label on the back of the HDTV and connect the other end of the HDMI cable. Finally, get another composite cable and connect both ends to the HDTV and the DVD (DVR) unit. Once all cables are connected, check to ensure everything is working properly.
An HDTV is a great investment, but you cannot enjoy it without content to watch. You can easily install your own cable box and DVD player right at home. All you need is a little patience to get the job done. Follow these steps and you will be watching your favorite programs in no time.
How to Hook Up Your HDTV to Your Cable/Satellite Box and DVD/DVR Unit
By Howtodotips
Learn how to connect your high-definition television to a cable or satellite box and a DVD or DVR unit using the right cables for the best picture and sound quality.