How to Hook Up a DVD Player Through a VHS Recorder and TV

Last Updated: May 6, 2021

It's easy to hook all your video together. This is especially useful if you don't have a "home theatre system" or your TV is an older one with only antenna input.

Steps

1
Be sure that your VCR is a newer one with at least one "line in" set of jacks in the back. Some have one in the back and one in front.
2
Your DVD Player should have a video/sound cable with 3 connectors on each end. Otherwise get one or 3 single cables.

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3
Connect DVD Video Out to VHS Video In (yellow).
4
Connect DVD Left to VHS Left (white).
5
Connect DVD Right to VHS Right (red).
6
Turn on your DVD and VHS.
7
Your VHS should have a tuner setting for "L1" or "L2". Select whichever shows the DVD's video on the TV.
8
Remember to select that input channel whenever you want to watch the DVD.
9
When watching a DVD, if you have a blank VHS in the VCR, you may record what you are watching onto the VHS, just as if you were recording from cable.

Community Q&A

Question

I can't find an input button on my TV. Where can I look for help?

Community Answer

If you still have the manual, look through it and see if you can find a diagram or illustration. If you don't have the manual anymore, you can find an online version by looking up your exact model of TV using your favorite search engine.
Question

How do I hook up a DVD player and a VHS to a television without a cable or antenna?

Community Answer

You can't hook up a DVD player to a VHS recorder without a cable because VHS recorders are old and unable to perform that action.
Question

How do I hook up a DVD player and VCR to an old model Philips Magnavox TV?

Community Answer

Unless it has an input port, you can't.