How to Connect a VCR to a Television

Whether you want to convert old video cassette tapes to DVDs, record a television show or simply enjoy the nostalgia associated with viewing your old VHS tapes, there are still many uses for your VCR. Follow the steps here to make setting up your VCR a smooth process.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Connect the coax cable to the jack on the back of the VCR labeled "Coax" and connect the other end of the cable to the jack on the back to the television, also labeled "Coax." Set the output channel to on the back of the VCR to channel 3 or 4; if you do not have an output switch, assume that your output channel is channel 3. Set the television channel to the same output channel as the VCR.

2. Plug the red, white and yellow cable to the jack that correspond to their colors under the section labeled "Output;" this section may also be under the head of "Composite Out." Set the channel on the television to be the same as the output channel on the VCR. This channel is usually automatically set as channel 3, but your model my have a toggle switch to change between more than one channel.

3. Connect the s-video cable to the jack on the television and the jack on the VCR. Synchronize the output channel on the TV and the VCR. There may be an option on your VCR to change to the output channel but the standard output channel is three. Set your TV to channel 3 or to its AV channel if one is included in your set. S-video does not carry sound, so you will have to connect a speaker to your VCR via the red and white AV jacks.

Tips & Warnings

• Some TVs come with an AV channel for VCRs, DVD players and other electronics. If this is the case with your set, use the AV channel.