Flat Screen HDTV connections

With respect to the establishment of all connections, to buy a flat screen HDTV is the easy part. In fact, the correct cables to connect the right inputs and outputs of the proper equipment can be a challenge, especially for those who are not tech savvy, so make sure you read the basics first before taking the job.

Types of connections

Usually, one flatscreen HDTV delivers two basic types of connections-digital and analog connections or connections HD, although some are only with the latter. Analog connections are radio frequency (RF), composite video and S-video connections, which can be used to connect the cable boxes, DVD players, VCRs, antennas and some game consoles, including S-video has the ability to offer the highest quality video. There are also analog audio connections for older audio receivers and stereo components.

HD connections, on the other hand, consist of or YPbPr component video, FireWire, or IEEE 1394, VGA or PC input, DVI and HDMI connections, which are what we should be looking, if you want to enjoy the highest quality audio and video from your HDTV. Check for HDMI connections, in particular, because these provide superb audio quality and HD video from multiple sources, including HD cable boxes, Blu-Ray players, surround sound speakers, HDTV Tuners and latest game console.

Your cable box

To get the cable on your HDTV, you simply connect the wire from the cable box then connect the box to the back of your HDTV using a RF, composite, S-video or HDMI connection, depending on the type of cable box and the input you have available on your HDTV. If you want to record that your favorite shows on a HD DVR as a TiVo box, which you need to connect your cable DVR box before instead of connecting directly to the HDTV, then connect your DVR to HDTV via the links provided.

Connect the speakers

To enjoy the superior sound quality offered by your HDTV, it is recommended that you connect external speakers, if a pair of stereo speakers or four, six or seven surround speakers. You cannot connect directly to your HDTV, though. Rather, you must first connect the AV receiver that comes with the system and then connect the AV receiver for HDTV. Make sure to connect the wires to the right on the receiver. For example, if the pair of wires is coming from the front right speaker, they must be connected to the front right inputs with labeled, particularly for the doors to match the color of each.

Connect to your Computer

In addition, we recommend that you use your flat screen HDTV as monitor of the computer. Otherwise, you will need to obtain a high quality video card for your computer and then connect CPU for HDTV via the output provided on paper. If the paper is only an S-video, component video, or VGA output, you will need to run an audio cable from the sound card CPU for HDTV, as well. You can also connect your laptop to your HDTV if you want to use as your DVD or Blu-Ray, which is a good idea, especially if your laptop has a HDMI output.

Connect the game Console

You can also play video games for consoles on your flat screen HDTV. In fact, most HDTVs have a dedicated game mode that disables the video processing to eliminate the delay of the controller. There are two ways to connect your game console through the AV receiver or directly to your HDTV. In both cases, the type of cable you need depends on your game console. Wii game consoles have component video outputs, while the Xbox and PlayStation console HDMI for superior video quality.

As regards the other equipment, watch their outputs available so shop for the correct cable. Don't hesitate to ask at the electronics store, if you're not sure what cable you need. The set-up depends on the types of equipment that you have as well, as many of them will want to use with your flat screen HDTV. If you use a lot of material, you might want to go with a wireless hub, so that the back of your HDTV is not too crowded. You can get a universal remote control, as well.

More information on HDTV connections in Guide to HDTV in HDTVReviewLab.com by Edward McKellen.