How to Install Flat Screen TV Wiring
The most difficult thing about setting up your home entertainment system is learning about all the different types of connections available and which will work best for you. Choosing a TV is the fun part. Now that you've conquered that, its time to get everything hooked up.
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Instructions
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1
Look at the connections on the back of the TV. You will most likely have several different types of connections, all of which are usually labeled. Count the number of HDMI connections you have. Also pay attention to any DVI, Composite or Optical ports on the back of the TV. All of these are made for higher quality signal transmission, and are usually only found on flat screen TVs.
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2
Look at your devices to find out what type of connections they have. Cable, satellite, fiber optic and other devices usually have an HDMI port. These are the easiest to connect and require the fewest cables. The fewer cables you run to your flat screen TV, the better it will look. Don't forget about your video game systems, DVD player or DVR, Tivo and other devices.
If you are using a receiver for sound, continue to Step 3. If not, go to Step 5. -
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3
Follow the wiring diagrams that came with your receiver to hook it up. Because HDMI carries both audio and video signals on one cable, it might not be the right way to go. The best way to connect a receiver is with the audio going through it only, though some models have a video out port that will allow you to run the video signal through the receiver to the TV. If you have opted to mount your flat screen TV on the wall, you may want to drill a small hole at where you have your devices and another behind the TV. Run the cables through the wall.
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4
Run all video cables directly to the flat screen TV from your device. Try to stick to DVI or Optical connections for the best picture quality. Skip Step 5; you're finished here.
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5
Hook up your HDMI devices first. These only require one cable and simply connect from the HDMI port on your device to the same port on your TV. For other types of connections, you will need a cable for audio and one for digital. Be sure you know which device is in which port (example: cable box is in HDMI 1, DVD player in DVI 2and so on).
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Tips & Warnings
Wiring diagrams can be helpful. Have your diagram for your TV out while hooking up your other system components.
