Korey R

Cables for TV Hookup

As some of you might remember from some of my previous posts, I had an old tv that I was using for my setup that only had a vhf/uhf cable in and that's it. I recently got a newer tv with more options: L/R in & out audio, video in, ant/cable, s-video. My question is, what do I need cable wise to utilize my tv as part of my setup? I assume I will get a better result including my tv? Also, if you see anything that could improve my setup (not component wise as I know I could have better components but just don't have the money, but setup wise) that'd be great too. I spent some time and searched through the forum some but didn't see any diagrams for setups, I'm sorry if I looked over it. Thanks in advance.

Components: standard definition tv, dvd/vcr combo, a/v receiver, subwoofer, 2 large front speakers, 2 smaller rear/side speakers, 1 center speaker

My connections on back of dvd/vcr combo:
-digital optical audio out (dvd side of combo) to optical audio in on receiver
-radio shack screw-on cable from "out to tv" to ant/cable in on tv
-cable tv "in from ant"
-red/blue monster cables from "line out" to "vcr/dvr in" on receiver

-monster subwoofer cable from sub to receiver

Bob McElfresh

Re: Cables for TV Hookup

Get a SVideo cable. Radio Shack Mega cable, or AR Pro is fine. Your DVD player should have this as an output.

Wire this up and bring up a DVD. A bright scene with lots of contrasting colors is best and freeze the image.

Toggle between the SVideo and Ant/cable inputs on the TV. You should notice an obvious improvement in the image with one of the inputs.

Korey R

Re: Cables for TV Hookup

Thanks for the reply. I'm not very familiar with the cables. I looked on RadioShack's website and the only mega cables I saw was for speaker wire. They have a RadioShack brand gold series s-video cable for $23 compared to a Phillips one for $5. I assume the more expensive gold ones would work better? I also assume AR means Acoustic Research? If so, I do see the pro II series of those for $27.

Along with the s-video cable, is there any reason to use the audio outs on the TV? I assume if I did then I could run the audio through the receiver and bypass the dvd/vcr combo? I see that they have RadioShack brand A/V cables with the S-Video cable too for a little bit more money but if RadioShack brand isn't very good then I'll need to look elsewhere for that. I have a Best Buy and Circuit City in my area too.

Thanks for your help.

Bob McElfresh

Re: Cables for TV Hookup

No, but they are decent quality and will last. The Phillips might be just as good, but I dont have experience with them and for the price, I suspect corners were cut in the materials or the construction. $20-$30 is fine for a decent cable. Or you can go custom from places like www.bluejeanscables.com.


It can sometimes be nice to fire up the receiver for TV movies or sports and get a 'stadium' effect. But for casual TV watching, the TV speakers are fine.

SVideo will give you the best picture possible on that TV. Try to make everything else you attach use SVdieo: game system, CATV box, Sat box, etc.