How to Connect a TV to a Home Theatre System

Okay, so you want to upgrade your home theater experience with a new surround sound system or a new TV, it's actually pretty easy, the main thing to remember is to not over do it. A small screen with a huge sound system might sound good but you really want to balance everything out so make sure you buy a sound system that will match your TV or vice versa.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Instruction Manual
• The Right Cables
• TV(Television)
• Home Theater System
• Cable/Wire Loom
• Zip Ties
• Patience

1. 

   First things first, READ the Instruction Manual, I know most of you guys out there hate reading the instruction manuals but every system is different, so I'll try to generalize this article for an average system you can find at a retail store today.

2. 

   Make sure you have the right cables to connect your TV to your Home Theater System, now days the best connection is called "HDMI" (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) this cable uses a digital signal to transfer both video and audio while giving you the best quality possible. But please make sure your Home Theater System has the "HDMI" as an input option. If it does not, you might have to resort to a analog connection such as "Component Cables" which will provide you with a High-Definition connection but with analog quality.

3. 

   Now if you are using a current TV and a current Home Theater System and your system is able to use the "HDMI" cable, connection to said devices will be pretty easy, just hook one end of the "HDMI" cable to the "HDMI" input on the back of the TV, and the other end of the "HDMI" to the "HDMI" output on the back of the Home Theater System. Turn your devices on and make sure your input/outputs are configured for "HDMI" usage and vola! You should now be able to see and hear everything your heart desires!

4. 

   Organization is key, after you have checked your connections and everything is working the way you want it to, utilize the cable/wire loom to organize your cables and use the zip ties to secure them in place, not too tight though, if you want to change things around in the future it's easier to cut the zip ties if you have enough room between the cable and the zip tie.

Tips & Warnings

• READ the Instruction Manual!
• Make sure you use the right cables for your system.
• Check and recheck your connection if you run into problems.
• Organize your cables!
• Enjoy your new system!
• READ the Instruction Manual!
• Do not cut live wires, unless your a professional.

[NuttyMomma]

on 3/21/2009 Good guide to home theatre systems. 5*

[soanyway]

on 3/19/2009 Thank you! for all those who have "missplaced" the instruction manual! LOL I have recomn'd you. Welcome!

[donzie-bright]

on 3/18/2009 Great points. 5*

[kimarkent]

on 3/16/2009 Smart for even mentioning 'read the manual',,,,whew how many people attempt things without reading the manuals first???? great first article, and I love the pics!! 5* and recommended

[justo]

on 3/16/2009 good advice, i did this. 5*