DirecTV provides receivers to its subscribers to convert the satellite signal to a television broadcast. If you want to also include a DVD player in your home theater system, you may be able to connect it to the DirecTV receiver, depending on the model you have. Look at the back of your DirecTV receiver to see if your model has input ports for a DVD player. Newer DirecTV receivers do not include any video inputs for DVD players or other audio/video equipment. If this is the case, you must connect the DVD player to your television instead of the DirecTV receiver.
Receivers Without Inputs
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Step 1
Select the appropriate type of cable for your DVD player and television's input ports. HDMI offers the best picture quality, but may not be available on all models. S video cables and A/V component cables are the two most common alternatives to HDMI.
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Step 2
Connect one end of the cable to the HDMI, S or component cable out port on the back of the DVD player. Plug the other end of the cable into the corresponding input port on your television. Choose a different input than you are using for your DirecTV receiver, so you can switch between the two with your television remote.
Step 3
Press the "Menu" button on your television remote. Look for an option titled "Source" or "Input." Select this option and choose the input source to which you connected the cable. Some televisions have a "Source" button that allows you to scroll through the various input options until you locate the DVD player.
Receivers With Inputs
Step 1
Choose a video cable that is compatible with your DVD player and the type of input port on your DirecTV receiver. Newer models include an HDMI port for high quality transmission. If you have an older receiver, you may be limited to using component cables to connect your DVD player.
Step 2
Plug one end of the cable into the audio and video out ports on the DVD player. Plug the other end into the audio and video in ports on the back of the DirecTV receiver.
Step 3
Press the "TV Input" button on your DirecTV remote to scroll through the input sources until you find the option that corresponds with the type of video cable you used to connect the DVD player. You can also use your DirecTV remote to control the DVD player. Slide the switch at the top of the remote from "DirecTV" to "AV1" or "AV2," depending on which input port you used.