Every system is a little different, but if you feel overwhelmed here's a place to start.
Steps
Place the components, TV, speakers, etc. where you want them. Don't worry yet about how to wire them.
You may want to turn equipment sideways on the shelves so you can get to the connections in the back.
Plug in all the power cords into a power strip, but don't turn on the strip until you are all done.
Now, there's audio and there's video. They essentially connect the same way, but don't mix them up. Video connections are often Yellow, audio connections are often Red and White, but newer systems can have more varieties. Typically you'll need to make sure the color you are plugging in to is the same for both ends of the cable.
Use the concept of 'signal path' to connect the necessary OUT's to IN's. Cables are needed to give the signal a path to travel from one piece of equipment to another. OUT of the antena, IN to the VCR. OUT of the DVD player, IN to the TV. OUT of the receiver, IN to the speakers. etc.
Turn everything on. If necessary, switch channels and settings to match the labels on the connections you've just made. Enjoy.
Tips
If all else fails, read the instructions.
If possible, do not run any low voltage wires parallel within 1' of high voltage wires as this can
adversely affect signal quality.
How to Connect a DVD Player, VCR, and Digital Cable Box
Connecting a DVD player/VCR/cable box can be intimidating, but with a little patience it's a piece of cake. There are several ways to connect them: this is the most common arrangement
Steps
Be sure you know HOW you are going to arrange/connect them (i.e. what type of cables: coaxial, S-video, RCA patch-cords, etc.), how they will be stacked, arranged or otherwise situated when you are finished. This foreknowledge will prevent a frustrating do-over.
On the back of the cable-box/vcr there will be 2 coaxial hookups, labeled "cable in" and "tv out" or something similar. The "cable in" (cable box) gets hooked to the cable jack from the wall or floor. Connect the "tv out" (cable box) cable to the "in" on the VCR. Connect the "out" (vcr) to the coaxial connection on the TV.
The DVD player is a little trickier... you have to use "RCA patch-cords" (those cables that are color coded red, white, and yellow) or an S-video cable (small, round ends with little pins and a piece of long, thin plastic [or a "fin"] inside). These cables should have come with the DVD player. If not, you can buy them at any store that sells electronics. Check the back of your TV to see which type of hookups are available and use the appropriate cables. Make sure that you are going "out" of the DVD player and "in" on the TV. These should be labeled as well.
After hooking all these together, plug everything in to test. Make sure that your TV is on the proper channel for the cable-box and VCR (usually 3, sometimes 2 or 4). The VCR should be on the same channel (for recording purposes.) When the VCR is off, you are watching cable. When the VCR is on, you are watching a tape.
The DVD player will be found on an alternate "input" setting such as "video1", "svideo", etc. depending on the input and type of TV.
Stack your components however you wish (see warning about blocking vents) and power them up.
Sit back and enjoy!!
Tips
RCA patch-cord cables are color coded: red & white are for audio (red is for right channel, white is for left channel) and yellow is for video.
If you are still having problems, call your cable provider and ask them to send a technician to help connect them. There might be a small charge, but it might be worth it.
Warnings
Be sure to unplug components before changing connections to avoid power surges that might damage the delicate electronics.
Be sure that all of your components have room to "breathe." Any openings in the case of your equipment is there to prevent overheating. Don't cover them up!
Useful Links
