Connecting DVD and VCR

[mod]

I found the cabling charts for connecting a dvd and one for connecting a vcr, but how do I properly connect both? I'll have a VX663, a cable box, and a tv. Here's what I've been looking at http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/connecting-your-system/dvd-player-setup

 

[Midcow2]

I found the cabling charts for connecting a dvd and one for connecting a vcr, but how do I properly connect both? I'll have a VX663, a cable box, and a tv. Here's what I've been looking at http://www.audioholics.com/tweaks/connecting-your-system/dvd-player-setup

Does you TV have input for HDMI ? Assuming yes here is the answer.

Connect cable to 663 via HDMI
connect 663 to TV via HDMI

If VCR has component output connect to 663 via component. Your 663 will upconvert to HDMI. If not conenct via composite (usually RCA yellow port)

If your DVD has HDMI output connect to 663 via HDMI otherwise use component.

If you don't have HDMI on TV then use component connections from cable to 663 and from 663 to TV.

If you use component you will need separate rca cables for audio.

The lowest level of video is composite, component and S-video are better, HDMI has about the same resolution. Your 663 supports HMDI 1.3a and will handle both video and audio in a single connection.

Good Luck hopefully this is clear

 

[Adam]

Midcow2 has given you some good details. Here's a general picture: You should be able to connect all of your sources (cable box, DVD player, and VCR) to the RX-V663 receiver, and then you would have a single video connection running from the RX-V663 to your TV. With that, you would select the source on the RX-V663 to listen to the source through your receiver and watch the source on your TV.

We can give you better recommendations on the best way to hook things up if you tell us the manufacturer and model number for each of the following: cable box, DVD player, VCR, and TV.

 

[mod]

Thank you both for the great help.

I'll connect a Yamaha RX-V663 to a Panasonic TH42PX75U plasma, Toshiba HDDVD HDA30KTU, Panasonic VCR PV-V4612, and Scientific Atlanta cable box Explorer 3250HD.

I'm planning to hang the plasma and put the cables for that in the wall with the components just below it in a console/credenza. Can I use the same type of cables in-wall that are used for standard connections? I know that speaker wires have to be in-wall rated. I'm also wondering what can of wall boxes I should use for where the cables come through for the TV and for connection to the receiver. I haven't seen what those look like or if I have to terminate the cables at the wall boxes and use connectors to run cables to the equipment. I was thinking I could just run continuous cables from equipment, through the wall, on to the components.

I only have a few days left before they close up my walls again so I'm trying to learn what I need to do quickly. I really appreciate the advice you've already provided.

 

[Adam]

I'd like to bump this to get other people's input on the wall boxes. I know that people here have done that. There's also an entire Audioholics section on home wiring and construction at this link here.

I'd recommend wall plates that have connectors on them. I think that it's a cleaner install. That way, you won't have the wires just sticking out. You can get wall plates and connectors at different places, but my favorite place to browse is partexpress.com (their wall plate index is at this link here). Be sure to run enough cables that you'll be somewhat flexible in the future. You may want to also consider RapidRun cables (AH review here, AH store link here).