This article shows you how to connect a VHS VCR to a TV. Nowadays VHS video recorders are considered obsolete devices and are no longer in production, however it is still possible to connect them to modern televisions using a coaxial cable (usually the antenna one) or a normal RCA cable. If your VCR does not support connection via coaxial cable and your TV does not support RCA connection, you will need to purchase an RCA to HDMI adapter to be able to connect the RCA cable from the VCR to the HDMI cable from the TV.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use a Coaxial Cable
Step 1. Check that both your TV and VCR have a coaxial port
This type of connector has a cylindrical shape, is made of metal and has a small hole in the center. It is usually placed on the back of the TV.
- To be able to connect via coaxial cable, both the TV and the VCR must have the corresponding port.
- If your TV or VCR doesn't have a coaxial port, you'll need to use an RCA cable to connect.
Step 2. Make sure you have a coaxial cable
Normally you can use the antenna one which is characterized by two connectors, one male and one female both cylindrical in shape, made of metal with the only difference that the first has a pin in the center while the second a hole. Some coaxial cables are equipped with a threaded ring that allows you to fix the connector to its port.
If you don't have a coaxial cable, you can buy one on the web or at any electronics store
Step 3. Turn off the TV and disconnect it from the mains
This will reduce the risk of damaging the unit or yourself while connecting the VCR.
Step 4. Connect one end of the coaxial cable to the corresponding port on the VCR
The latter should be placed on the back of the device.
- Make sure you insert the coaxial cable connector all the way into the VCR port so the cable can't accidentally come off.
- Normally the connection port of the VHS video recorder is labeled with the abbreviation "TV Out", "To TV", "TV Out" or similar.
Step 5. Now connect the other end of the cable to the corresponding port on the TV
Again it should be placed directly on the back of the appliance.
Make sure the connector is firmly seated inside the port
Step 6. Plug the VCR's power cord into a power outlet
You can plug it directly into an outlet or choose to use a power strip, depending on your needs.
If the power cord of the VCR can be removed from the device, connect it to the VCR first and only then insert the relevant plug into a power outlet
Step 7. Plug the TV's power cord back in and turn it on
In some cases, the VCR will also be activated automatically. If so, skip the next step.
Step 8. Turn on the VCR
Press the "Power" button on the front of the device.
Step 9. Set the TV channel 3, 4 or 36
Use the "Ch +" or "Ch -" buttons on the remote control or TV to set one of the indicated channels. The channel on which the video and audio signal of the VCR will be transmitted varies from TV to TV. When you see the blue screen of the VCR appear, you will have completed the setup.
- In some cases, you will also need to set the broadcast channel on the VCR before you can start playing the videotape.
- To play the content of an old VHS, insert it into the VCR and press the "Play" button.
Method 2 of 2: Use an RCA cable
Step 1. Make sure you have an RCA cable
It features three connectors (yellow, white and red) and was used very often to connect old VHS VCRs and old camcorders to the TV.
- The red and white connectors are used to transfer the audio signal.
- The yellow connector instead carries the video signal.
- If you don't have an RCA cable, you can buy one on the web or in any electronics store; they are very cheap items.
Step 2. Make sure your TV has an RCA input
Normally by looking at the back of the video equipment you should immediately spot the three RCA ports (one red, one white and one yellow). However on some very old TVs the RCA sockets are located on the front, below the screen.
- If you only found the red and white connectors, but not the yellow one, try looking for a green one labeled "Video". If your TV has this connector, you can still use an RCA cable.
- If your device does not have an RCA input port, you will need to purchase an RCA to HDMI adapter (not HDMI to RCA) and an HDMI cable.
Step 3. Turn off the TV and disconnect it from the mains
This will reduce the risk of damaging the unit or yourself while connecting the VCR.
Step 4. Connect the RCA cable to the VCR
Connect the white connector to the corresponding port on the VCR on the back of the device, then repeat the step with the red and yellow jacks.
Some VCR models do not support stereo audio, which means that you will only be able to connect the red or white connector of the RCA cable. Simply leave the unused connector disconnected
Step 5. Now connect the other connectors of the RCA cable to the corresponding ports on the TV
Locate the red, white and yellow input ports on the unit, then connect the RCA cable respecting the color scheme.
- Make sure all three connectors are in the same input port on your TV. Normally the RCA sockets are aligned horizontally or vertically in the same area where the TV's input ports are. Each door is labeled with its number or initials.
- If you had to use an RCA to HDMI adapter, follow these instructions: connect the RCA cable to the adapter respecting the color matching, connect one end of the HDMI cable to the corresponding port on the adapter, connect the other end of the HDMI cable to a free port on the TV and finally powers the adapter by plugging it into a power outlet.
Step 6. Plug the VCR's power cord into a power outlet
You can plug it directly into an outlet or choose to use a power strip, depending on your needs.
If the power cord of the VCR can be removed from the device, connect it to the VCR first and only then insert the relevant plug into a power outlet
Step 7. Plug the TV's power cord back in and turn it on
In some cases, the VCR will also be activated automatically. If so, skip the next step.
Step 8. Turn on the VCR
Press the "Power" button on the front of the device.
Step 9. Select the correct TV video source if necessary
If your TV is not already tuned to the correct AV source, press the "Input" or "Source" button on your device or remote until you see the signal from the VCR appear on the screen.
To play the content of an old VHS, insert it into the VCR and press the "Play" button
Advice
- If you have chosen to use a home theater receiver to manage all the audio and video sources on your TV, you will need to connect the VCR to it instead of directly to the TV. Most receivers have HDMI and RCA inputs.
- Some TVs and VCRs support the S-Video connection, which offers better video quality than a regular RCA connection (featuring a yellow, white, and red three-pin cable).
