How to Connect a DVD/VCR Dual Recorder to a Satellite Receiver

By Dave Donovan

Rate: (11 Ratings)

The introduction of DVDs to home entertainment has probably been one of the biggest innovations in the last 20 years. It inevitably changed the way we watched, and listened to, our favorite films. Since the first publicly released DVD, the film "Twister" for all of you Trivial Pursuit players, there have been a number of additional innovations. One happens to be the DVD/VCR dual recorder. Now we're able to connect a DVD/VCR dual recorder to a satellite receiver.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • DVD/VCR dual recorder
  • TV
  • Satellite receiver
  • Audio/Video composite wires (2 sets)

Step1
One of the most confusing things for people who purchase a DVD/VCR dual recorder is that there are usually no coaxial cable inputs or outputs on the machine. For some people, that is all they know about connecting video equipment.

The reason a coaxial output is usually not included is because the DVD output signal will not play through the coaxial cable. To keep consumers from having to hook up multiple connections, most manufacturers simply do not include one on their machines. For this connection, we will need the A/V composite wires (the red, white and yellow-tipped connectors).
Step2
On the backside of your satellite receiver, you will notice a bunch of connections. If you already have your coaxial satellite cable connected to the INPUT on the receiver, leave it connected.

Disconnect and remove the cable connecting the receiver to the television.
Step3
Grab your A/V composite wires and insert them into the Audio/Video OUTPUTS on the back of the satellite receiver. These are color-coded connections--red to red, white to white and yellow to yellow. The red and white connections are your audio feeds and the yellow is for your video.
Step4
Look on the backside of your DVD/VCR dual recorder. You will see similar connections. Connect the other end of the composite wires to the Audio/Video INPUTS on the DVD/VCR dual recorder.
Step5
With a second set of A/V composite wires, connect one end to the DVD/VCR dual recorder's A/V OUTPUT and the other end to the television's A/V INPUT. Again, be sure to follow the color code. Also, if your television has more than one available input, be sure to know to which one you made the connections (A/V 1, A/V 2, etc.).
Step6
Next, tune your television to the proper input channel. Look on the television's remote control for a button that is labeled "Inputs" or "A/V." Press it until you see the correct A/V channel appear on the screen. If you made your connections in A/V 1, then the TV should display "A/V 1" in the corner.
Step7
Now, just turn your equipment on and settle back to watch your favorite show, VHS tape or DVD!

Tips & Warnings

  • If you get sound but no picture, or vice-versa, double check all of your connections.
  • If you get audio on one channel and the video on a different channel, the connections are wrong on the back of the TV.

Comments

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on 6/18/2008 Thanks for the wonderful comments! I'm glad the article helped you out!

mathlady said

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on 6/16/2008 Thank you so much! Two days, three manuals, many other websites, and a phone technician could not do what your article did in ten minutes! These instructions are awesome!

suzikg said

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on 1/26/2008 Well, if that wasn't the easiest hookup ever! It took me less than two minutes. Thank you so much.

I do have coax in & outs on my dvd/vcr combo & had no idea that they were not even necessary. One fewer ugly black cord in the tangled mess of wires.

Thanks again as I was pulling my hair out trying to figure it all out.

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on 11/16/2007 Thank you very much. I will keep trying until I get it correct. Gracec3138

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eHow Article:  How to Connect a DVD/VCR Dual Recorder to a Satellite Receiver

eHow Expert: Dave Donovan

Dave Donovan

Expert: DIY Electrics

Profession: Freelance Copywriter

Location: Atco, NJ

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