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Question about connecting VCR/DVD combo to HDTV

4371 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by mjones73, Dec 30, 2005

JasonQ

Discussion Starter · Dec 30, 2005

Hi,

I bought an LG 50PX1D HDTV and a VCR/DVD combo the other day. At the store, they said the basic way to hook up the two would be to run 8 cables from the VCR/DVD combo to the HDTV. The reason I came to this forum is to ask some questions about hooking up my VCR/DVD combo to my HDTV.

First, are the 8 cables that I bought to run from my VCR/DVD combo to my HDTV called component video? I wasn't sure because I thought component video was 3 cables? (or is that only on older TVs?) Also, are these 8 wires I'm using a digital or analog signal?

Second, if I buy an HDMI cable to run from my VCR/DVD combo to my HDTV, will this significantly improve the picture of the VCR and/or DVD from using the 8 cables I talked about in the previous paragraph? I know that the HDMI signal is digital, but will it significantly improve the picture of either (or both) VCRs and DVDs?

Thanks for any and all help,

Jason

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mjones73

· #2 · Dec 30, 2005

Most combo DVD/VCR units I've seen have seperate output sections for the DVD section and VCR section. You can run either component or HDMI for the DVD section and probably composite for the VCR section. You also need to run audio cables to the TV and/or AV receiver from each section. You can try HDMI for the DVD section, check the specs on the unit to see if it can output the VCR section over HDMI also.

What model player is it by the way?

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JasonQ

Discussion Starter · #3 · Dec 30, 2005

Ok, with the 8 cables it sounds like I have composite video setup for the VCR part and component video for the DVD part. I assume some of those 8 wires are audio? If so, what kind of audio is this called? (component audio, analog audio,...?) I doubt it's digital audio.

The VCR/DVD combo is a Panasonic PVD4745s. Here are the specs I found online for it:

* DVD Progressive scan output

* dts and Dolby Digital decoders: connectable

* Virtual surround sound

* Multi-speed scan/slow

* Multiple DVD viewing options: subtitles in up to 32languages (dialogue inup to 8), multiple camera angles

* Picture zoom

* Resume play

* Skip forward/reverse

* A/V optimizer

* DVD tray lock

* Program play

* VCR Stereo hi-fi

* No. of video heads: Hi-tech-4

* Video head sensor system

* Front A/V jack

* Component Video out: DVD only

* S-Video out: DVD only

* Commercial skip

* Auto clock set with backup

* Trilingual on-screen display

* Tape position display / tape status

* Index search

* 1-month / 8-program calendar / timer

* 181-channel TV/CATV tuner

* All-channel auto set

* Auto power off

* Remote control: standard

* Dimensions (H x W x D): 3.7" x 16.9" x 10"

* Weight: 8.2 lbs.

From looking at the specs, I didn't see HDMI listed. I don't have the player with me right now, but I'll take a look at it soon to see if it has an HDMI plug.

Do you know if running an HDMI cable from a DVD player to an HDTV will significantly improve the picture of the DVD from using component video? (this is just a general question, not specifically directed toward my models of HDTV and DVD/VCR combo)

Thanks,

Jason

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Ratman

· #4 · Dec 30, 2005

You probably have:

Component (red/green/blue) for DVD video

Analog audio (red/white) for DVD audio

Composite (yellow) for VCR video

Analog audio (red/white) for VCR audio

For Dolby Digital/DTS, you will need to add a 9th cable connected to an audio receiver (either optical or digital coax).

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JasonQ

Discussion Starter · #5 · Dec 30, 2005

Thanks for explaining to me what types of cables I have.

Do you know if running an HDMI cable from a DVD player to an HDTV will significantly improve the picture of the DVD from using component video?

Thanks again,

Jason

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mjones73

· #6 · Dec 30, 2005

Depends on the DVD player and TV, in some cases it might offer better PQ, in other cases it might not. All you can do is experiement with the two types of connections and see what looks better to you.

The player in question does not have HDMI in the first place so it's a moot point.

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