How Do I Wire My DVD, HDTV & Receiver?

Add a receiver and DVD player to HDTV for a basic home theater.

Setting up a DVD player with an HDTV and receiver requires two sets of audio-video cables, one of which typically comes with the DVD player. The receiver serves as the control hub of an entertainment center, managing different components connected to it. Use the receiver selector knob on the front of the component or the remote control to choose a component for playback. The TV connects with an RGB video cable. Use a standard composite cable for the DVD player.

Things You'll Need

• RGB component cable
• Composite cable

Instructions

1. Plug the yellow, white and red connectors on one end of the composite cable into the matching color AV OUT jacks on the back of the DVD player, then connect the other ends to a set of input jacks on the back of the receiver. Use the jacks labeled for a DVD player or any set of three white, red and yellow inputs, such as jacks labeled Auxiliary.

2. Connect the RGB component cable to the red, green and blue OUT jacks on the back of the receiver.

3. Insert the RGB plugs on the other end of the cable into the color matching Component IN jacks on the TV back panel.

4. Turn on the power to the equipment, then set the receiver selector knob or remote control to the set of inputs that connect it with the DVD player, such as "DVD" or "Auxiliary."

5. Press and release the "Input" button on the TV remote control until the DVD player image appears.

Tips & Warnings

• DVD players deliver standard-definition video, so the picture will not be in high definition even though the player is connected to an HDTV. For high-definition video, a Blu-Ray player or an HD signal source, such as cable or satellite programming, must be connected to the receiver.

• Unplug the components from the power while hooking up the AV cables.

References

• RAM Electronics: How to connect your HDTV and Home Theater