A Guide to Connecting a DVD Player to an LG Smart TV

PDF download Download Article
3 methods to play DVDs on your LG Smart TV
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow article will teach you how to connect a DVD player to an LG Smart TV using either an HDMI cable, A/V cables, or component cables. Of course, the easiest one to use is the HDMI cable, but some older model DVD players might not have an HDMI port, so you'll need to use the other connections. Your LG Smart TV will support all connections, but newer models may have less ports and will therefore require you to invest in an adapter.

Things You Should Know

  • If both your DVD player and LG Smart TV have HDMI ports, connect them via an HDMI cable.
  • Older DVD players may not have an HDMI port, so you will need to use either an A/V or component connection.
  • Newer LG Smart TVs may not have A/V or component ports, so you may need to invest in an HDMI adapter.
  • When connecting A/V or component cables from your DVD player to your TV, make sure the colored cables match on each end.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using HDMI

PDF download Download Article
  1. Look for the trapezoid-shaped "HDMI" label that's most likely on the back of your TV and fit the cable securely into the socket. [1]
    • This is the highest quality connection for audio and video and is typically found only on modern DVD players.
      • If you are attempting to connect a Blu-Ray or 4K UHD player, you will almost certainly find an HDMI port on the back of the device.
  2. Note which HDMI port you're plugging the DVD player into as there may be multiple sockets available. [2]
    • When you turn on your TV, you can select "Input List" to see all your input connections. You can change the name of the HDMI connection with your DVD player so you can later click "Steve's DVD Player" instead of "HDMI 2."
    Advertisement
  3. An HDMI connection only requires one cable that carries both audio and video signal, and it does not matter which end of the cable goes where. But if the cable is pulled too tightly, or one of the connections is loose, you may not get a good signal.
    • You can buy a new HDMI cable at many retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, and Amazon.
  4. Turn on your DVD Player and LG Smart TV so you can make sure the TV recognizes your device. [3]
    • Use your remote to navigate to your Smart TV's homepage, and look for the input list icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Click on it to pull up an input list and change your input to where your DVD player is located.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using A/V Cables

PDF download Download Article
  1. Look for the "Output" or "Out" group on your DVD Player; the sockets on the DVD Player are color-coded to match the cable (red, white, and yellow). [4]
    • LG also calls these "composite input."
  2. Like on the DVD player, these sockets will be color-coded to match the cable and located on the back of your TV. [5]
    • If you are following this method because your DVD player lacks an HDMI output, but your LG TV lacks the necessary A/V sockets, you can easily purchase an HDMI-to-A/V cable. These are available at Amazon, Best Buy, or other popular retailers.
  3. Make sure you matched the colored plugs on the cable to the colored sockets on both the DVD player and TV.
  4. Turn on your DVD Player and LG Smart TV so you can make sure the TV recognizes your device. [6]
    • Navigate to your Smart TV's homepage, and look for the input list icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Click on it to pull up an input list and change your input to the A/V section where your DVD player is located.
    • If you're having an issue with the video quality, something might be wrong with your yellow cable. Check to make sure that cable isn't damaged or incorrectly plugged in.
    • If you're having an issue with the audio, something might be wrong with your red or white cables. Check to make sure that those cables aren't damaged or incorrectly plugged in.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Component Cables

PDF download Download Article
  1. The sockets are color-coded to match the cables (green, blue, red, white, and red). The green, blue, and red sockets (responsible for the Video feedback) may be separated from the red and white pair (responsible for the Audio feedback), so make sure all five cords are plugged in. [7]
    • A component cable has two red plugs, which can make things confusing. To figure out which is which, lay the cable out flat so that all of the prongs line up. The order of colors should be green, blue, red (video), white, red (audio).
  2. Like on the DVD player, these will be color-coded sockets that match the cables and located on the back of your TV.
    • If you are following this method because your DVD player lacks an HDMI output, but your LG TV lacks the necessary component sockets, you may need to purchase an HDMI-to-component adapter. These are available at Amazon, Best Buy, or other popular retailers.
      • Simply plug the adapter into the HDMI port on your LG TV, and you should now have the necessary ports to connect your player to your TV.
  3. Make sure you matched the colored plugs on the cable to the colored sockets on both the DVD player and TV.
  4. Turn on your DVD Player and LG Smart TV so you can make sure the TV recognizes your device. [8]
    • Navigate to your Smart TV's homepage, and look for the input list icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Click on it to pull up an input list and change your input to the component section where your DVD player is located.
    • If you mixed up the red cables, you'll notice a visual and audio issue here and can switch them.
    5. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    When I turn on the tv it don’t show an input list. And I don’t have a input button on the remote. Help!!!!
    Cory Stillman
    Community Answer
    Navigate to your Smart TV's homepage, and look for the input list icon in the top-right corner of your screen. Click on it to pull up an input list and change your input as needed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 7
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • When you turn on your LG Smart TV, select "Input List" to see all your active input connections, including HDMI and A/V connections. You can change the name of the HDMI connection with your DVD player so you can later click "Steve's DVD Player" instead of "HDMI 2."
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • When connecting a DVD player via component or A/V cables, consider taking notes in a notebook so you can stay organized and easily recall the proper color coding for any future scenarios in which you might need to set up the player.
        Thanks
        Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      4 Easy Ways to Connect an iPhone or Android to a TV
      How to
      Connect PC to TV
      How to
      Hook Up a VCR to a TV
      How to
      Connect Your PC to an LG Smart TV: 3 Easy Methods
      4 Steps to Connect a DVD Player to a Samsung TV
      How to
      Set Up Your Roku Player and Connect it to a TV
      How to
      Connect Coaxial Cable Connectors
      Connect a Fire Stick to Wi-Fi With or Without a Remote
      Cast to Firestick from Any Device: Share Your Screen on Your TV
      How to
      Fix a Fire Stick That's Not Working: The Ultimate Guide
      How to
      Connect Any Phone to Your TV via USB
      A Step-by-Step Guide to Connect a TV to a Stereo System
      How to
      Connect your Samsung TV to the Internet: Quickstart Guide
      2 Quick Ways Connect a Kindle Fire Tablet to Your TV
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.lg.com/levant_en/support/product-help/CT20158005-20153219099414
      2. ↑ https://www.lg.com/levant_en/support/product-help/CT20158005-20153219099414
      3. ↑ https://www.lg.com/levant_en/support/product-help/CT20158005-20153219099414
      4. ↑ https://youtu.be/XhwA-wKGFiw?t=8
      5. ↑ https://www.lg.com/levant_en/support/product-help/CT20158005-20153219099414
      6. ↑ https://www.lg.com/levant_en/support/product-help/CT20158005-20153219099414
      7. ↑ https://www.lg.com/levant_en/support/product-help/CT20158005-20153219099414
      8. ↑ https://www.lg.com/levant_en/support/product-help/CT20158005-20153219099414

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Plug one end of the cable into the HDMI socket on the DVD player.
      2. Plug the other end of the cable into the HDMI socket on your TV.
      3. Ensure that both HDMI connections are secure.
      4. Test the connection.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 167,021 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement