Connecting VCR/DVD, HDTV & HD Cable Box

popart · 05-11-2006, 03:30 PM

I have a Samsung DLP TV that I want to hook up a VCR/DVD Player with as well as the Motorola DCT5100 Set top box. The set has PIP but I think that the PIP has to be analog--that is why I am bypassing the cable box.

My plan is use a cable splitter and one lead into the VCR/DVD Player's RF In and the other lead into the Cable box's RF In.

Then I will use a DCI to HMDI cable, together with audio cables, to go from the Cable box to the TV/

I will use a component cable, with audio cables, to go from the VCR/DVD to Comonent 1 on the TV.

My question is this: There are RF Outs on both the Cable Box and the VCR/DVD. Which one should I use to connect to the RF In on the TV?

(Actually the TV has 2 RF IN--one for "Cable" and one for "Air"--should I use both and if so which one goes to which one?)

A side point--why do you need to connect the RFs in any case if you are using component and DCI cables to connect everything?

Thanks

jcavanaugh · 05-15-2006, 07:57 AM

You need Coax connections for analog TV or OTA HD. In my area we actaully get more channel on the analog connection then we do through the digital cable box. (Comcast sucks)

PsychoJack · 01-21-2009, 06:14 PM

Not sure if this answers your question or not. I have expanded basic cable from Comcast which they say by March will require a box to get channels above 32. Ok so I got the box (smaller one not the big digital cable thing) hooked it up according to the directions for use with a VCR ( we have a ton of things on video). problem I had is VCR will not pick up channels from the box and disconnects my service. If I bypass the box and just use VCR I get all the channels and can record them. So I knew the VCR was working fine. When I contacted Comacast i was told the best way to fix the problem was to get their more expensive full digital package and box with DVR etc. I have a friend who works for comcast who "Unofficially" told me it's Comcast's way of getting us to pay more for their junk. What I am debating doing is splitting the line in to TV and connecting the box and VCR up seperatly. I already split the line in to VCR so I could record shows on the VCR. I know get with the times, well I can't afford a DVR or Digital cable junk from Comcast and have no desire to buy anything HD. being color blind I don't like HD.

**rbinck** · 01-21-2009, 06:42 PM

Quote:

being color blind I don't like HD.

Curious. Seems like the increased detail would be helpful even for someone color blind.

Really, it is ok if you don't want to spend the money. That's reason enough. But, it is possible that you will have to, in the end at least, be getting digital anyway.

Scottnot · 01-22-2009, 08:45 PM

Quote:

being color blind I don't like HD.

I don't get that.

Actually, after reading this comment, I went and turned saturation all the way down so I could watch programming in b&w such as a totally color blind person would see the picture.

The difference between SD content and HD content is still quite amazing - not unlike the difference between an Ansel Adams photograph compared to a snapshot from an old Brownie.

You may want to rethink the benefits of HD.

05-11-2006, 03:30 PM	#1
popart What is HD? Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 2	Connecting VCR/DVD, HDTV & HD Cable Box I have a Samsung DLP TV that I want to hook up a VCR/DVD Player with as well as the Motorola DCT5100 Set top box. The set has PIP but I think that the PIP has to be analog--that is why I am bypassing the cable box. My plan is use a cable splitter and one lead into the VCR/DVD Player's RF In and the other lead into the Cable box's RF In. Then I will use a DCI to HMDI cable, together with audio cables, to go from the Cable box to the TV/ I will use a component cable, with audio cables, to go from the VCR/DVD to Comonent 1 on the TV. My question is this: There are RF Outs on both the Cable Box and the VCR/DVD. Which one should I use to connect to the RF In on the TV? (Actually the TV has 2 RF IN--one for "Cable" and one for "Air"--should I use both and if so which one goes to which one?) A side point--why do you need to connect the RFs in any case if you are using component and DCI cables to connect everything? Thanks

05-15-2006, 07:57 AM	#2
jcavanaugh High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Pa Posts: 348	You need Coax connections for analog TV or OTA HD. In my area we actaully get more channel on the analog connection then we do through the digital cable box. (Comcast sucks) __________________ Enjoy, Jeramie Discount Computer Cables & Audio Video Cables

01-21-2009, 06:14 PM	#3
PsychoJack What is HD? Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 1	Not sure if this answers your question or not. I have expanded basic cable from Comcast which they say by March will require a box to get channels above 32. Ok so I got the box (smaller one not the big digital cable thing) hooked it up according to the directions for use with a VCR ( we have a ton of things on video). problem I had is VCR will not pick up channels from the box and disconnects my service. If I bypass the box and just use VCR I get all the channels and can record them. So I knew the VCR was working fine. When I contacted Comacast i was told the best way to fix the problem was to get their more expensive full digital package and box with DVR etc. I have a friend who works for comcast who "Unofficially" told me it's Comcast's way of getting us to pay more for their junk. What I am debating doing is splitting the line in to TV and connecting the box and VCR up seperatly. I already split the line in to VCR so I could record shows on the VCR. I know get with the times, well I can't afford a DVR or Digital cable junk from Comcast and have no desire to buy anything HD. being color blind I don't like HD.