hook up tv, dvd recorder/player, and comcast cable box?

Question

Help, Please. have 10 year old tv, a new dvd recorder/player, and a comcast cable box.

in what order do i connect them? cable box-tv-dvd or cable box- dvd-tv. i want to record from tv and i want to be able to record one station while watching another.

i'm pretty sure i have all the proper cables. coaxial, s-cable (but i don't know what it is for), cables with three ends (red, yellow, and white), two ends (red and white) and also (red and black).

i know i can do this, just need directions.

thanks

Answer 1

It would be nice if we knew what connections you had on your TV, but the connection layout should look as follows:

Wall Outlet -> Coax -> Comcast Box
Comcast Box -> Component +Optical Audio -> DVD Recorder
DVD Recorder -> S-video+Red/White Audio -> TV

This is how the cable quality compares from low to high:

Coax
Composite
S-video
Component
DVI
HDMI

If you can, always connect each device using the best possible connection. You didn't mention an AV receiver, so I am assuming you are using your TV speakers. I would highly advise you to purchase a Surround Sound receiver and speakers. You are really limiting yourself by sticking with stereo and TV speakers.

Answer 2

You can run it through a splitter but your channel selection will depend on your tv. Most standard tv's will have a channel selection from 99 up to about 120. That means you would have access to any channels up to that threshold if you have digital cable where many channels are in the 150 to 400 range you'll need an extra receiver or your out of luck for those channels.

Answer 3

Ok, well I didn't see you mention a switch ... usually that's required as well as cables, especially if you want to watch one thing and record another ... they have a/b switches or you can get a box that all components go into (there's even one that has an auto sensor to switch to the device that's on ... it's what I used. This also allows you to hook up games on the tv as well.

The only way I've ever hooked up all those components is with a switch so I can't tell you how it would work without. My dad was in TV/Appl. business and it's how we were taught . good luck