Stupid question....help!

[Scharak]

I just picked up a DVD/surround sound system, and I'm trying to run the cable feed through it, but am having some problems. The cable and the DVD player both have component video jacks out, but neither have a component video jacks in, and the tv only has one set of component video jacks in. Am I missing something? Shouldn't there be a way to run these two devices through one another instead of unplugging and plugging back in every time they are used?

 

[Tsunamii]

I know that on my Comcast box, its a hd DVR dual tuner the inputs are not even active. You can run them both into a receiver and a single line back out to your tv but you need a receiver that has those video features.

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

list all the peices to your system. it seems like something is missing?

 

[Scharak]

all the pieces?

Cable box/fake Tivo (adelphia cable), installed by the cable guy, who initially installed the ribbon cable with two audio and the three component video plugs into the tv. This box only has component video out jacks, I see only one set of component video jacks, labeled only "out".

DVD player/surround sound system, just purchased. This device only has one set of component video jacks, again labeled only "out".

Both devices work when hooked up to the tv (also has only one set of component video jacks, labeled "in"), but I see no way to hook them both up at the same time. The audio jacks work just fine.

Actually, now that I write that the audio worked fine, I think the solution is most likely that I need a splitter box for the video.

NEWBIE!!

 

[racquetman]

You need a receiver that can handle component video switching (2 or more inputs and one output). Or, like you said, a component video switch. You could also get a new TV/monitor with more than one component video input .

The cheapest route is to get up and keep switching the cables manually like you've been doing, but who wants to do that!!

 

[Mr. Lamb Fries]

when I said pieces i meant, brand and model # of each: TV, cable box, dvd player, receiver, "surroundsound system", and/or any other components you have or would like to hook up. That way i can look them up to see exactly what your dealing with.


With the info given, it sounds like alandamp is right. You need a receiver. If thats not an option right now maybe there is an adapter you could buy at radio shack or something that will allow two components to be combined to one with a manual switch on it. If you need both of them hooked up right now...i would use the coax cable (thick cable wire) from the wall to the cable box to the back of the tv...and component from the dvd player to the back of the tv. you should be able to switch video sources through the tv.

 

[BMXTRIX]

While it is never fun to hear this, you are definitely asking for help at the wrong time.

You bought a generic home theater in a box (HTIB) with included DVD player and speakers and ZERO compatibility with HDTV or any future products you may own. Forget HDMI or DVI, this thing doesn't even have component inputs.

Not sure how much you spent, but I would strongly encourage you to list your budget and the model number (exact brand/model) of what you have and then think about returning it for a better product. There is lots of stuff that is really inexpensive out there that can not only give you what you need now, but will be able to work with components you may buy in a year or two.

If you really, REALLY want to keep what you have, or can't return it, then you will need an outboard component video switch.

Something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-WAY-COMPONENT-VIDEO-SELECTOR-SWITCH-HDTV-LCD-PLASMA_W0QQitemZ5799120109QQcategoryZ73390QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It will allow you to hook up multiple devices that use component video and will let you add a game system later on or something like that if you need to.

Good luck - and always remember - with purchases like this, the Internet has a site that can answer almost any question you have before you buy. Not needed on cheap stuff, but A/V gear is rarely cheap and can often be a headache for those who don't know... and the market preys on those who don't know.