How to Connect a DVD Player to a TV

There are three ways you can connect a DVD player to a TV. Component video gives the best picture quality, but requires 3 cables for the video signal alone. S-video needs only 1 cable but it isn't as good as component video. Composite video is the easiest connection to make, but gives the lowest picture quality.

Things You'll Need

• TV
• Video cables
• DVD player

Instructions

Component Video Connection

1. Get a component video cable. This cable has 3 sets of connectors, one each for the red, blue and green color signals.

2. Match the connectors to the appropriate video output jacks on the DVD player. Component video outputs will normally be labeled Cr/Cb/Cy. The Cy output jack is matched to green, Cr to red and Cb to blue.

3. Run the cable from DVD player to the TV. Most TV connections are made from the back panel, but this may vary.

4. Match the connectors to the appropriate video input jacks on the TV.

S-Video Connection

1. Get an S-video cable. This cable has a single round connector with 4 pins.

2. Attach one end of the S-video cable to the S-video output jack on the DVD player.

3. Attach the other end to the S-video input jack on the TV.

Composite Video Connection

1. Get a composite video cable. These types of cables are frequently bundled with two-channel audio cables. Composite video cables are tipped with yellow plugs.

2. Plug one end of the composite video cable into the composite video output jack on your DVD player.

3. Plug the other end into the composite video input jack on your TV.

Tips & Warnings

• The composite video cables that are packaged with some new DVD players are not the best quality. Consider purchasing decent cables from an electronics store.

• Make sure that your TV can support the type of connection that you've chosen to make. Newer TVs can support all 3 of these connection methods.

• Don't make video connections while your TV is turned on. Connect first, and then turn on the power.