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DVR - Digital Video Recorder 
PVR - Personal Video Recorder

DVR Connections - Page C1

In the Connections section, you will find three (3) pages. Page C1 will discuss your TV inputs, Page C2 your Video card outputs, and Page C3 will show you how to use our Connections Map.

Connections Overview

Connections are an important consideration since they are the link between your TV or cable box and your DVR.

On this page we will discuss all the possible connections (inputs) found on your TV. The list includes all of the inputs on a HDTV. A standard TV will have some, but not all of these connections. Take a look at your TV to see which ones you have. You can use the Connection Map on page 3 to note the ones that are on your TV.

TV Inputs

AV – AV connections, for audio visual, are also known as RCA connections, which are the same cables you use to connect stereo components. Typically you will need three (3) cables, yellow for video and white and red for sound. The cables are interchangeable, with the colors used to make identification easier.  Below is a photo of a set of three RCA cable connectors.  

Component (YPbPr) – The Component video connects look similar to the RCA connections pictured above.

This is the type of connection generally used for HDTV. It is only the video signal. If you have an HDTV cable box, it will use this these type of cables to connect to your TV. The letters stand for the color channels supported, including Yellow (or sometimes a Green connector), Blue, and Red. 

Since it is sending only a video signal over three wires, it sends a lot more information then the single RCA Yellow connection. When using Component video, you will need a total of five (5) cables: three inputs for the video and two standard RCA white/red connections for audio. 

Coax – Coax is the type of cable currently used for your cable/satellite connections, where you have a threaded head that screws onto the connection. Coax supports both video and sound, so only one (1) cable is needed.  

S-Video – This is a single video connection that has better performance characteristics when compared to an RCA connection. Similar to a RCA connection, it requires three (3) connections in total; one S-video, and two standard RCA white/red connections for audio.  

HDMI – HDMI stand for High Definition Media Interface. It is the newest type of connection between a cable box and a HDTV. You can easily identify it due to its flat design.  

Sound Connections – Your TV will get sound from a Coax connection. If you use any other connection you will need to use the AV red/white inputs. Sound will either be supplied by the video card (the preferred way) or by the line out port on the motherboard.

If you have any questions, you can send them to the DVR-FAQ@how-to-build-it.com. We will not be able to answer individual questions, but we will have questions and answers posted on the FAQ page.

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