How to Connect a TV, DVR, DVD, VCR, Stereo & AM-FM Tape Recorder
By Maya Austen
The simplest way to interconnect a TV, DVR, DVD, VCR and tape recorder is to hook up each device to an AV receiver. The AV receiver functions as a routing device for audio and video signals transmitted from multiple sources. The rear panel of the receiver is littered with RCA audio and video jacks. These jacks are organized into sections. One section is designated for a "DVD" device connection, for example. Another section is set aside for connections to a "VCR" device. Once each device is connected to the receiver, the devices are essentially all interconnected with each other.
Step 1
Plug one end of the composite video cable, which is also recognizable as a yellow AV cable, into the yellow "Video" output jack on the back of the AV receiver. Instead of "Video," this jack is sometimes labeled "TV." Plug the other end of this cable into the TV's yellow "Video" input jack.
Step 2
Insert one end of the white, red and yellow AV cables -- in the first set of AV cables -- into the color corresponding to the AV output jack on the back of the DVR. The white, red and yellow AV jacks are respectively labeled "Audio L," "Audio R," and "Video." Insert the other end of each AV cable into the color corresponding AV jacks in the "Cable" section on the back of receiver.
Step 3
Connect one end of each cable, in the second set of AV cables, to the matching colored AV output jack on the back of the DVD player. Connect the other end of each cable to the matching colored AV jack reserved for "DVD" on the back of the receiver.
Step 4
Plug one end of each cable, in the third set of AV cables, into its matching colored AV output jack on the back of the VCR. Plug the other end of each cable into the matching colored AV "In" jack locate in the receiver's "VCR" section
Step 5
Use the remaining set of AV cables to connect the AV "Out" jacks reserved for "VCR" on the back of the receiver to the corresponding AV "In" jacks on the VCR.
Step 6
Insert one end of a red audio cable into the red RCA output jack on the rear panel of the tape recorder. Insert one end of a white audio cable into the white RCA output jack on the rear panel of the tape recorder. Connect the other end of each cable to the matching color "Audio In" jack designated for "Tape" on the back of the AV receiver.
Step 7
Use the remaining set of RCA audio cables to connect the tape recorder's "Audio In" jacks to the color corresponding "Audio Out" jack designated for "Tape" on the back of the AV receiver.
Step 8
Flip open the "Speaker" terminal latches on the back of the receiver. Insert the speaker's positive wire into a speaker terminal labeled "+." Insert the speaker's twin negative wire into the twin "-" speaker terminal on the receiver. Close the latches to lock the wires into the terminals. Repeat as needed to connect additional speakers to the receiver.
References
Tips
- The AV receiver comes with a built-in AM / FM radio.
Writer Bio
Maya Austen began freelance writing in 2009. She has written for many online publications on a wide variety of topics ranging from physical fitness to amateur astronomy. She's also an author and e-book publisher. Austen has a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the New England Institute of Art and currently lives in Boston, Mass.