How to Connect a DVD Player to an Older Television

Old TV

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A common problem for people when upgrading their home electronics is signal compatibility. The most common signal compatibility issue is when connecting a DVD player to an older TV without a composite signal input.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

TV Modulator

Purchase a TV modulator. The DVD player has RCA outputs and the TV is designed to accept a broadcast signal from an antenna via a coaxial cable. The TV modulator will pick up the RCA signal and convert the output to a broadcast signal that can traverse the coaxial cable and be picked up by the television. These devices can be found at stores such as Radio Shack, Circuit city, BestBuy or in online stores like eBay, AllElectronics.com or Amazon.com.
Step 2

RCA and Coaxial Jacks

Plug in the RCA cable to the composite output on your DVD player. Connect the other end to the RCA input on the TV modulator. Connect the coaxial cable to the output on the TV modulator and to the input on your television.
Step 3

Channel Switch

Most TV modulators have a channel switch. Select whether you want the image displayed on channel 3 or channel 4 on your TV. Change the channel on your TV to that channel.
Step 4

VCR Back

Most VCR’s will accept a composite signal from a DVD player via RCA and give a broadcast output via coaxial cable however, this can cause the picture and/or audio to distort.

Comments

amberdawn said

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on 11/22/2008 THANK you! I could not figure out how to make this work! I'll ask for one for Christmas :) 5* and added to favorites.

dsarokin said

on 5/12/2008 Thanks Anthony. The Smithsonian keeps asking if they can put my TV on exhibit, but I'm not quite willing to give it up yet, so your article is a big, five star help.

SeventhSibling said

on 5/12/2008 I went through this process recently myself using the manufacturers' guides -- so confusing. But your instructions are clear, consise, and easy to follow. Very well written!