How to Hook-up DVD Player to TV Having Only One RF (Cable) Input

Connecting external video sources such as DVD players, VCR's, cable boxes and game consoles which require separate A/V Inputs, to an older televisions that has only one, RF-cable connection can be accomplished using a Multiple-Input, Auto-Sensing, Auto-Switching RF Adapter. Follow these steps to use an RF modulator to connect a cable box, VCR and DVD player to the television's single input.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• RF Modulator
• A/V cables
• Coaxial cables
• Surge protected outlet strip

1. Leave the cable box powered on but disconnected from the TV or VCR. All other components should be disconnected and unplugged, giving clear and easy access to all connections. If components sit in an entertainment unit, make sure all A/V cables can reach the RF modulator and the cable from the modulator can easily reach the television.

2. Hookup the first coaxial cable from cable box output, usually labeled "TV," "TV out" or "Out to TV" to the cable "In" on the VCR. Connect the second coaxial cable from the VCR's out to "TV" to the coaxial input on the RF Modulator.

3. Connect the third coax cable from the coaxial cable "Out" jack on the RF Modulator to the coax cable "Input" on the television.

4. Take one A/V cable, connect the red (right audio channel,) white (left audio channel) and yellow (video) from DVD player's "Output," to the corresponding DVD "inputs" on the RF Modulator. Place components as desired but still disconnected from power. Plug in all power cables including the RF Modulator's into the surge protected outlet strip.

5. Make sure the Channel select switch usually found on the back of the VCR and the Channel select switch on the RF Modulator are both set to Channel 3. This channel is used on the television to view your components.

6. Turn on the power strip and turn on the TV. Cable reception should come on as usual. Set the TV to Channel 3 and turn on the VCR. With VCR on test it by playing a video tape. The RF Modulator should sense the signal and automatically switch to "VCR."

7. Switch off the VCR and with the television still on channel 3, turn on the DVD player. As the RF Modulator senses the DVD player signal and switches to DVD, its welcome screen should be seen on the television. Play a DVD to test and once you're done with the DVD turn it off and the cable should come back on.

[bigponder]

on 4/25/2009 OK, so I moved my entire entertainment system across the room 2 days ago. I've been trying ever since to get my TV, DVD, VCR, RF modulator, AND cable box working. No such luck. I had everything BUT the VCR then everything BUT the DVD working. I'd been pulling my hair out! Yours were the ONLY instructions that worked! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! Now I'm going to have a beer to celebrate!

[melissajeffcoat]

on 9/13/2008 Out of all the different instructions I read online on how to hook up the old tv, cable box, rf mod, dvd, vcr, I finally did it according to your instructions! Thanks for making it so easy after working with this without success for so long. Melissa Jeffcoat