How Do I Hook Up More Than One TV to a VCR?

A cable splitter diverts signals from a VCR into multiple televisions.

The typical cable connection between a VCR and a TV can be split and sent to additional televisions. Use a coaxial or RCA cable splitter to divert the signal from the VCR into two output signals, and attach additional cables to send the signal to the televisions. Repeat the process for extra televisions if you are creating a presentation requiring a simultaneous broadcast, such as a concert or teaching lecture, when a video projection system is unavailable.

Things You'll Need

• 3 coaxial cables or RCA cable
• Coaxial or RCA cable splitter
• Televisions
• VCR

Instructions

Coaxial Cable

1. Attach a coaxial cable to the "output" coaxial screw on the VCR, usually on the back of the unit. Connect the other end of this cable to the "input" screw on the cable splitter. Twist both connections by hand until each has a tight fit.

2. Connect a coaxial cable to each of the "output" screws on the cable splitter. Run each cord to the input coaxial screw on the back of a television, or into additional cable splitters to repeat the process on additional televisions. Tighten each connection.

3. Test the signal by turning on each television and playing a video tape on the VCR. Troubleshoot static or blue screens by changing the channel on the television to the output channel of your VCR, often channel 3 or 4.

RCA Cable

1. Connect the red, yellow and white RCA cables to the output plugs on your VCR.

2. Attach the RCA cable from the VCR into the input plugs of your splitter.

3. Attach RCA cables to the "input" plugs on the television sets and the "output" plugs on the splitter.

4. Test the signal by turning on each television and playing a video tape on the VCR. Troubleshoot static or blue screens by changing the channel on the television to the output channel of your VCR, such as channel 3 or 4, or the auxiliary "input selection."

Tips & Warnings

• Use longer cables to widen the distance between the televisions.

References

• All About Televisions: How to Use a Coaxial Splitter
• Comcast: How Do I Hook Up Cable TV and My VCR?
• Technofile: The Right Way to Hook Up your VCR

Resources

• FCC: Setting Up Your Digital-to-Analog Converter Box with a VC