You want to connect multiple components, but just reading the title of this article is intimidating. Relax. Connecting these components is simply a matter of determining exactly how you want the system to function and what types of cables you'll need to complete the project. Remember: the fewer cables and connections you use, the simpler your system will be to set up and operate.
Instructions
1. Determine how you are going to use each component in the system. Do you want to play all of your audio on your stereo speakers? Are you going to watch all your video on your TV or do you want to watch some on your computer? Do you want to use the VCR for recording or simply as a source? The easiest solution is to use your stereo receiver as a command center and route all of your audio and video through it. This way you can use your speakers and TV for audio and video, respectively. The receiver has the most inputs available and is designed to integrate multiple components into one cohesive system. Let's assume you are using a basic set-up in which you route all audio to your stereo speakers and all video to your TV. Your needs may differ, so be sure to detemine them before purchasing cables or connecting wires.
2. Determine the connections available. Once you've figured out the path that the audio and video will take, make note of the types of cables required to get it there. In this example, we'll be connecting audio and video from the PC, VCR and DVD player to the stereo receiver. Then we'll connect speakers to the receiver and send video to the television. Ideally, we'll want matching output jacks from our media sources (i.e., PC, VCR, DVD) and input connections on the receiver. If that's not possible, adapters may be needed.
3. Your VCR should have analog connections (i.e., composite yellow video cable, red and white audio cable). Connect these to an input on your receiver labelled "VCR" or "Video" using basic RCA cables. If you intend to use the VCR for recording, connect composite cables from your receiver's composite video output and audio outputs to the VCR's inputs. This additional connection will allow the VCR to record signals sent through the receiver as well as play tapes.
4. Connect the DVD player video using an available connection such as the one for composite video or component video. If you intend to use surround sound, connect your DVD player audio with digital cable. If you're only using two speakers, you can also use RCA connections as in Step 3. If you're using a digital connection, check the receiver and DVD player to find a matching digital connection (either coaxial or optical) and connect the DVD output to the receiver "DVD" input with appropriate cable.
5. The PC will be the trickiest connection. If you're using an HDTV and want to send HD video from your PC to your TV, you may need to connect the video directly from the PC to the TV, as your receiver may not have an HD connection port. Use an HDMI or DVI cable from your computer's port to your television's input. If you're using HDMI, you must route the audio to the receiver separately by connecting a digital audio output on your TV to the input on the receiver labeled "TV." If you're using DVI, connect audio separately to the receiver using a 3.5 mm mini-jack to RCA cable or digital connection.
6. Connect both audio and video from your PC to your receiver. If you just intend to send standard video to your TV, you can route both the audio and video through the receiver. Connections may vary, but you could likely connect using an S-Video cable from the output on your PC to an available S-Video input on your receiver. Run the audio separately with a mini-jack to RCA cable.
7. If you want to listen to your television audio on your stereo speakers, connect the TV audio outputs to your receiver using RCA cables or digital cable if they're available. Again, digital cable will be necessary if you want to enjoy surround sound formats. Use input labelled "TV" or "Cable" when available.
8. Output the video from your stereo receiver to your TV. Obviously, you can't watch video on your receiver, so you'll need to send it out to the TV. Use an available connection such as S-Video, component video or composite video to connect the receiver's video output with the TV's input. DO NOT connect audio output elements.
9. Connect each speaker to the appropriate speaker output on your receiver using speaker cable (i.e., Left Main, Right Main, Left Rear, Center Channel, etc.). Be sure that the polarity of the cable matches on both the output of the receiver and input of the speaker.
10. With all the components hooked up properly, you can switch between components using your stereo receiver's menu. Be sure to tune the TV to the input with which you have connected the receiver and/or directly-connected video component.
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