How to Hook Up an LCD TV

Making the switch to LCD display technology will make your television watching much more enjoyable. Not only will you have the ability to watch the latest high-definition content, but you will also enjoy a more vivid and dynamic picture during normal TV viewing. LCD TVs also use less power and generate less heat than traditional TVs.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Optical audio cables
• HDMI cables
• Component video cables
• TV stand, entertainment center, or wall mounting kit

1. Connect your HDTV to your cable box. Using component video cables, connect the Video Output from the cable box into the Cable or Aux1 input of your LCD TV. Using an optical audio cable, connect the Audio Out on the cable box to the Cable or Aux1 audio input of the LCD TV. If your are using an HD cable box, you can connect your box to your LCD TV using an HDMI cable. Connect the HDMI out of the cable box to one of the HDMI inputs on your LCD TV. HDMI will transport audio and video information over a single cable.

2. Connect your HDTV to your DVD player. Using component video cables, connect the component Video Output from the DVD player into the DVD/Aux2 input of your LCD TV. Using an optical audio cable, connect the Audio Out on the DVD player to the DVD/Aux2 input of the LCD TV. If you are using a Blu Ray or upconverting DVD player, you can use an HDMI cable to connect the HDMI output of the DVD player to one of the HDMI inputs on your TV. HDMI is convenient in that both audio and video are transmitted over the same cable.

3. Plug in your LCD TV and familiarize yourself with its control menus and options. This is best accomplished by thoroughly reading the owner's manual. Each manufacturer has a unique control scheme, and many have an initial set-up routine that you must follow when you first power on your TV.

Tips & Warnings

• Your LCD TV will look its best when displaying high-definition content such as Blu Ray or HD cable programming. When watching non-widescreen programming, you may notice black letterboxing bars on the left and right of the screen. This is normal. Unlike plasma TVs, LCD displays do not suffer from "burn in" and are suitable for use as computer monitors, as well as for playing video games and displaying stationary content.
• Always read the owner's manual before using an LCD TV for the first time.