How to Connect a DVD Player to a TV that only has a Cable Connection

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RCA cables carry audio and video signals.

DVD players have a multitude of different outputs, including RCA, S-Video, HDMI and sometimes coaxial connections. Most newer TVs have inputs for all of these formats, so connecting a DVD player to a television is simply a matter of deciding which connection to use and then getting the correct cable(s) for that format. Some older TVs, however, have only a coax, or cable connection, as an input. However, it is still possible to connect a DVD player without a coaxial output to these televisions.

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Step 1

Connect the RCA cables to the RCA outputs on the DVD player. The cables are color-coded, where yellow is normally video and red and white are left and right audio.

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Step 2

Plug the RCA cables into the corresponding inputs on the RF modulator, which converts the RCA signal into a coaxial-formatted signal. This requires some power, so make sure you plug in your RF modulator.

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Step 3

Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the coax output on the RF modulator. Connect the other end to the coax input on your television.

Step 4

Move the channel select switch on the RF modulator to the non-broadcast channel for your area. If you have a channel in your area broadcasting on channel 3, slide the switch to channel 4, and vice versa.

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Step 5

Tune your television to the channel corresponding to the switch on the modulator. Turn on both the DVD player and the TV. You should now be able to watch DVDs on your TV.

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