Chapter 1: connections and setup, Explanation of input jacks and cables – RCA DRC8040N User Manual

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Chapter 1: Connections and Setup

Explanation of Input Jacks and Cables

This section describes the jacks and cables you can use to make connections (only a coaxial cable, an S-Video cable, and a set of audio/video cables are packed with your
DVD recorder—you can purchase other cables by calling 1-800-338-0376, order online at www.rca.com, or go to your local electronics store). There are several ways to
connect your unit to your TV depending upon the cables you have and the jacks that are on the back of your TV.

Different jacks and cables provide a different level of performance. It’s important to remember, we’re talking about degrees of picture improvement for comparison. If your TV
has Component jacks (Y, Pb, Pr), S-VIDEO, and composite video (often color-coded yellow and grouped with Audio Left and Right jacks that are white and red); Component
(Y, Pb, Pr), would be considered excellent, S-Video would be very good, and the composite video jack (yellow) would be considered good.

Component Video (Y, Pb, Pr) Jacks and Cables

The Y, Pb, Pr jacks provide optimum picture quality because the video is separated into three signals
(two signals are dedicated to the color portion of the image, and the other signal is dedicated to the
black and white part of the image).

To ensure maximum picture quality, use three video-grade cables (not supplied) for the connection.
You can purchase bundled component video cables (not supplied) that are color-coded to match the
Y, Pb, Pr jacks (red, green, and blue). Component Video Input jacks are usually found on high-end TVs,
such as HDTVs; multimedia monitors; and some of the “fl at” LCD and Plasma TVs or monitors.

Notes:

Also, remember to connect the left and right audio cables because the Y, Pb, Pr jacks and
cables carry only the picture signal, not the sound.

S-Video Jacks and Cables

The S-Video (separate video) jack provides better picture quality than a composite video jack
(sometimes labeled VIDEO and color-coded yellow on TVs) because S-Video keeps the color part
of the picture separate from the black and white part of the picture. If your TV has an S-VIDEO jack,
connect the DVD recorder to the TV with an S-Video cable for a better quality picture. One S-Video
cable is supplied with your unit.

Note: Remember to connect the left and right audio cables because the S-Video cable carries
only the picture signal, not the sound.

Audio/Video Jacks and Cables (RCA-type)

Video

The basic Video jack (usually color-coded yellow) is also referred to as composite video. Composite
video doesn’t keep color information separated (like S-Video), but it’s better than the video quality
you get from an RF coaxial cable (the type used to connect a cable signal or off-air antenna).

Audio

These jacks are used to send the audio from the disc you’re playing in the DVD recorder to the
TV. The audio jacks and cables (supplied) are often color-coded (red for right audio, and white
for left audio). You must connect audio cables to the AUDIO L and R jacks on the unit and the
corresponding Audio Input Jacks on the TV no matter which Video jack you connect (VIDEO;
S-VIDEO; Y, Pb, Pr).

Note: If your TV has only one input for audio (mono), connect it to the left (white L/Mono)
audio jack on the DVD recorder and don’t connect the right audio part of the cable.

S-VIDEO

VIDEO

INPUT

AUDIO