How to Hook Up a VCR to an LCD TV

VHS isn't dead, it can be easily resurrected by converting the right signals.

We've seen a dramatic shift over the last decade as analogue media and CRT TVs have been replaced by DVDs, Blu-Ray and HD LCD and Plasma screen TVs. But if you've amassed a VHS collection that you don't wish to part with, you'll find that old VCR has no direct way of connecting with your new flatscreen. It's not the end of your tapes' lifespan though; you'll see with the right cables and converters that it's really straightforward to continue using your VCR just as before.

Things You'll Need

• 2 x RGB or 3 RCA cables
• Modulator (Optional)

Instructions

1. Examine the connections on the back of your TV. Depending on when it was made, there are a few possibilities regarding the connectors it is likely to have. If your TV was produced in the last few years, there will likely be an RGB component connection, with its red, green and blue connections, or a "3 RCA" array, with red, white and yellow connectors.

2. Check the back of your VCR. If you can see a trio of connections matching those on your TV, then you're in luck. Simply connect the 'IN' ports on the TV, to the 'OUT' ports on the VCR, and you'll be able to play back VHS cassettes. If you wish to record the signal from your TV onto a cassette, connect the 'OUT' on the TV, to the 'IN' on the VCR using a second cable.

3. Turn on your system and check for functionality. Try all the functions you are planning to use. Attempt to play back a cassette, then try to record something onto a tape. If you use an external aerial, such as the ones found on a digital satellite receiver, connect the aerial to the 'IN' port on the VCR, this will allow you to bypass the TV and just record the signal. So you can watch one channel and record another, or even record when the TV is off.

Tips & Warnings

• If your VCR has only a SCART output, you may need to purchase a adapter that converts the SCART signal to an RCA one.

• Should you record an HD TV show or movie to a VHS cassette, be aware that the playback will not be in high definition, as VHS tapes are not capable of storing this much information.

References

• The AV Guide : Scart Specification
• The AV Guide : RCA Specification