How do I Connect DVD to Cable TV?

by Diane Dilov-Schultheis
Use composite A/V cables to connect DVD players or recorders.

Use composite A/V cables to connect DVD players or recorders.

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DVD players are common home entertainment components used to watch DVDs on a television and are a totally separate connection to the TV for any customers watching cable programming through a cable box. DVD recorders, on the other hand, not only accomplish this feat, but also record programming onto DVDs from the broadcast provided by the cable company. In order to achieve this, the DVD recorder is connected in the middle to both the cable box and the TV.

DVD Recorder

Step 1

Turn off and unplug all of the electronic devices. Place the DVD recorder close to both the TV and the cable box.

Step 2

Connect (or leave connected) the existing coaxial cable going from the cable outlet on the wall to the back of the cable box using the "In" port.

Step 3

Hook one end of another coaxial cable to the back of the cable box, using the "Out" port and attach the other end to the back of the DVD recorder's "RF In" port. Use a second coaxial cable from the DVD's "RF Out" port to the TV's "RF/Antenna In" port.

Step 4

Attach one end of an audio/video composite cable to the back of the cable box, using the audio and video "Out" ports. Match the red and white audio connectors as well as the yellow video connector to the corresponding ports.

Step 5

Connect the other end of this audio/video composite cable to the back of the DVD recorder's "A/V In" ports.

Step 6

Hook the second composite cable to "A/V Out" ports on the back of the DVD recorder. Connect the other end of this cable to the "A/V In" ports on the back of the TV.

Step 7

Plug the DVD recorder, TV and cable box into a power source and turn on to use.

DVD Player

Step 1

Turn off and unplug the DVD player and the TV. Place the DVD player close to the TV.

Step 2

Attach one end of an audio/video composite cable to the back of the DVD player, using the audio and video "Out" ports. Match the red and white audio connectors and the yellow video connector to the corresponding ports.

Step 3

Connect the other end of this audio/video composite cable to the back of the TV "A/V In" ports.

Step 4

Plug the DVD player and TV into a power source and turn on to use. Change the "input line" or "source" on the TV until you see the DVD player.

Tip

  • The audio/video composite cables are sold as one cable with all three connectors, or as two cables with audio and video separated.

About the Author

Diane Dilov-Schultheis has been writing professionally since 2000. She is a food and travel writer who also specializes in gaming, satellites, RV repair, gardening, finances and electronics. She is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists and has been published online at the Travel Channel and Intel.

Photo Credits

  • Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images