Q&A for How to Connect a DVD Player, VCR, and Digital Cable Box

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I have a 5.1 surround sound system. I can get the DVD and tuner to play and get sound through the system. What I can't get is sound from my TV when using the surround sound. What should I do?

Community Answer

You can't use both at the same time with the least amount of cables. If you're using all digital connections and have a digital TV that has a digital audio output, then run both the DVD and the tuner to the TV. Then connect the digital audio output on the TV to the receiver. When the receiver is off, the audio will come from the TV.

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Question

What is wrong if my VCR will play, but not record?

Community Answer

Try using the record button on both the remote or the front of the VCR. If neither one works, then the recording equipment in the VCR has malfunctioned. (However, the recording equipment is not required to play a VHS tape.)

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Question

I want to connect a DVD player using my cable box. I don't have access to connecting DVD direct to TV, and need to go through the cable box. Is this possible? Or do I need to buy a tuner to make the connections?

Community Answer

Some cable boxes have auxiliary inputs into which you could plug your DVD. Also, some DVD players have auxiliary inputs to which you can connect the cable box, then feed it through to the TV.

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Question

What can cause my DVD/VCR combo to not have audio?

Community Answer

Check your audio jacks and their respective color coded plugs, sometimes they are slightly different and matches for the colors are not found, in this case just read both the DVD/VCR combo owner's manual, and your television's manual as well to determine their respective audio plugs. In some cases the cord may have cracked internal wiring. In order to avoid this, do not place any permanent wires in a place where they may be damaged, and don't wrap them up too tight. The jack may also be corroded. Use WD-40 after you've disconnected all potential power sources.

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Question

Will I be able to program the VCR to record TV channels?

Community Answer

No, you need to use the cable box to record TV, unless the cable box is somehow fed through the VCR.

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Question

How do I connect a VCR to an old TV with a cable box?

Community Answer

If you want the cable to VCR to TV, then connect the cable box to the VCR with either an coax (standard cable line) or composite (red, white, yellow) to the input on the back. Then run a coax or composite cable from the output on the back of the VCR to the input on the TV.

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Can I change the ends on a HDMI cord?

Community Answer

If you're talking about cutting the end off and changing the end of the HDMI cord to a different type of cord like a S-Video, coax, composite, component, etc., then it's out of the question. However, you can buy a usually small box that comes with a power cord that allows you to connect an HDMI cord.

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Question

What kind of splitter do I need to connect a blu-ray player to a high definition TV that only has one HDMI input?

Community Answer

You don't need a splitter to connect one device. If you're connecting two devices, then you need an HDMI selector (a small box with two HDMI ins and one HDMI out).

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Question

How do I connect my DVD player if my TV has only one connection and it's used for my cable?

Community Answer

Some cable boxes offer the option of connecting another input. If yours doesn't, then you can buy a small switch box that has an A and B selector on it. It offers the option of two inputs to one output, and you can choose A or B to choose which device you want to play.

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