<font color='#000000'>Hello,
I am a home theater newbie (that should be abundantly obvious given the questions I have) and I am looking for help! Before I get into my questions regarding hooking up my system, here are my components. I have tried to make this as easy as possible for all of us!
1. TV - Sony KP-57WS500
2. Receiver – Sony STRDE685
3. VCR – Sony SLV-N55
4. DVD – Samsung DVD-P421
5. Satellite Receiver – Sony SAT-B65
6. Generic (?) wall-installed speakers on brackets (including an in-wall passive subwoofer) plus KLH center channel...hey, it came free with the house. I’ll replace them all later.
My expectations are pretty simple, really. I want my system hooked up as logically as possible so switching between components isn’t like an engineering project. Otherwise, I just want everything to work as it should.
Besides the DVD connection, I am not interested in the best money can buy. I have component cable for the DVD and it works fine. It’s when we get to the VCR and satellite receiver that I am totally confused. I will be watching mainly DVD’s from this system, maybe the occasional TV program or VHS and possibly record using the VCR from time to time. I would also like to have audio through the TV as well as the external speakers.
As it stands now, I can watch anything I want, however, I can’t record using the VCR. I attempted to route the satellite receiver through the VCR and then to the receiver and TV but I did something wrong since nothing worked after that attempt. I have the video monitor hooked up and the tape audio output going to the TV so I can get sound there but I am afraid I have this whole thing so rigged up I am making things too complicated for myself.
It is confusing to me at the moment (my first attempt at hooking things up) that I have to switch the receiver AND the TV to different positions to watch the different components. Isn’t there a way to simplify this? I have no idea when to use a coaxial cable and when to use composite connections for the VCR and satellite receiver. I have no idea if I should use the output on the TV to the receiver. Oh, and I also can’t tell that the subwoofer is delivering any bass at all. I have no idea if I missed a setting on my receiver or not since this isn’t a powered unit.
Quite simply, I am very confused and I would appreciate any advice you can give me. If you’d prefer to send me an e-mail, you may do so at
robgo42002@yahoo.com
Again, thanks for any help.
Rob</font>
