Flat Screen HDTV Connections

Compared to setting up all the connections, buying a flat screen HDTV is the easy part. Indeed, connecting the correct cables to the right inputs and outputs of the proper equipment can be a challenge, especially for those who aren't tech-savvy, so make sure you read the basics first before you take on the task.

Types of Connections

Usually, a flat screen HDTV carries two basic types of connections - analog connections and digital or HD connections, although some new ones only come with the latter. Analog connections are comprised of radio frequency (RF), composite video and S-video connections, which can be used to connect cable boxes, VCRs, DVD players, antennas and some game consoles, of which S-video has the capability of delivering the highest video quality. There are also analog audio connections for older audio receivers and stereo components.

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

Connecting Your Cable Box

To get cable on your HDTV, you simply have to connect the wire running from the cable outlet to the box then plug the box to the back of your HDTV using an 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 your favorite shows on an HD DVR like a TiVo box, you have to connect your cable box to the DVR first instead of connecting it directly to the HDTV, then connect the DVR to the HDTV via the connections provided.

Connecting your Speakers

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

Connecting Your Computer

You may also want to use your flat screen HDTV as your computer monitor. If you do, you will need to get a high quality video card for your computer then connect the CPU to the HDTV via the output provided on the card. If the card only has an S-video, component video or VGA output, you will need to run an audio cable from the soundcard of the CPU to the HDTV, as well. You can also connect your laptop to your HDTV if you want to use it as your DVD or Blu-Ray player, which is especially a good idea if your laptop has an HDMI output.

Connecting Your Game Console

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

As for your other equipment, simply look at their available outputs then shop for the correct cable. Don't hesitate to ask at the electronics store if you're not sure about which cable you are looking for. Your set-up depends on the types of equipment you have as well as how many of them you want to use with your flat screen HDTV. If you are using a lot of equipment, you might want to go with a wireless hub so the back of your HDTV isn't too crowded. You might want to get a universal remote control, as well.

Learn more about HDTV connections in Edward McKellen's guide to HDTV at HDTVReviewLab.com.