How to Connect a VCR to a Flatscreen TV

A VCR can be connected to a flatscreen TV using composite or coaxial cables.

While a flatscreen TV is usually equipped with component video and HDMI connections for high-definition signals, they all also come with traditional standard-definition inputs that are the same found on most traditional television sets. Using these connection ports, it is just as easy to connect a VCR to a flatscreen TV as it is to an older analog television set

Things You'll Need

• Composite or coaxial cables

Instructions

Using Composite Cables

1. Unplug your television set and the VCR from the AC power source.

2. Attach red/white/yellow composite cables to the connections on the back of the VCR labeled "Line Out" or "Video Out." Keep the colors consistent--the red plug should go into the red jack, etc.

3. Attach the composite cables to the "Line/Video In" connections on the back of the TV. Again, keep the colors consistent.

4. Plug both the TV and VCR in to AC power and turn both on.

5. Change your TV channel to "AV" ,"AUX" or "Video 1" to watch VCR tapes.

Using Coaxial Connections

1. Unplug your television set and the VCR from AC power.

2. Attach one end of the coaxial cable to the VCR's "RF Out" or "To TV" connection.

3. Set the channel selector on the back of the VCR to either channel 3 or channel 4.

4. Connect the other end of the coaxial cable to the television's "ANT In" or "RF In" connection.

5. Plug the TV and VCR back in to AC power. Turn on the TV and set it to the same channel you chose earlier on the VCR and turn on your VCR.

References

• Funai: Connecting your Television and VCR

Resources

• Total Rewind: The Virtual Mueseum of Vintage VCRs