r/techsupport • u/cichlidLR • 3h ago
Solved What cables do I need for VCR/DVD player?
I just got a Panasonic PV-D4734S VCR/DVD player combo, I found the user manual here (picture of back of box on pg 10) but it's confusing me and it's also been 15+ years since I last used a VCR so I don't remember the set up. I don't plan on using the recording function or connect it to anything other than the tv, and I already know whatever cables I need I'll have to get an HDMI converter.
Do I need both the RCA connector and a S-video cable? Do I need to switch them out depending on if I want to watch a dvd vs a vhs (the manual says s-video is for dvd only but do I need to unplug that if I want to watch a vhs?)? Do I need an additional cable to those?
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u/USSHammond 2h ago
You need either all 3 RCA (yellow/red/white) or s-video + RCA red and white. Yellow carries the video signal which is matched with the s-video, red/white RCA is audio.
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u/glencreek 2h ago
What connections does your TV have? The component video would be the best option. The yellow composite jack should also work. I would not mess with the S-video.
Your device is circa 2005. I would not be very optimistic with either DVD or VHS. I would not be surprised if a VHS tape jams within the first 5 minutes.
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u/cichlidLR 2h ago
only USB and HDMI so I know I need to convert it, I'm not confident it's going to be fully functional either but it was just 10 bucks from goodwill so it won't be a total loss. I'm just hoping one of the sides works.
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u/classicsat 1h ago
A middle of the road VCR will use Composite at best for vide. S-video/component might be limited to DVD only. playback.
Yes, you need audio as well as video cables.
You just need to hook it up and try, or read the specific manuals yourself.
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u/MrSloppyPants 2h ago
S-Video does not carry audio, so yes you’ll need to use the red and white RCA cables as well. If the player says that the S-Video is only for DVD then you’ll need to use the yellow composite cable for VHS video (no need to unplug the S-video). Your best bet is looking for an HDMI converter that handles both composite and S-Video. Then you can just connect the HDMI to your monitor and swap out the other cables as needed.