Site Last Updated: 08 March, 2010
  Home Theatre Troubleshooting      
It can be frustrating trying to connect a new dvd player or dvd recorder, set top box, television, home theatre system or any other home entertainment equipment. Let's face it - most of us only upgrade our equipment when it breaks down. This may only be every decade (hopefully) - in which time technology has advanced a great deal. Below are some problems you may encounter while trying to connect a DVD player or DVD recorder to your TV.

This is a work in progress so check back regularly for new content. And if you do get totally stuck, you can always e-mail A1 Tuning for more help.
DVD Problems.      
 
My TV Doesn't Have Any RCA (Red, White and Yellow) Inputs

Most modern TV's have what are called RCA inputs at the back, front, or side of the TV. These are usually coloured red, white and yellow. If you only have a white and yellow input all this means is that your TV is not stereo but you can still connect your DVD player.

Some TV's have what is called a SCART input (a rectangular input). In this case you will require a SCART adaptor or a SCART-to-RCA cable.

If your TV is quite old it may not have any of these inputs. In this case, if you have a VCR already hooked up to your TV you can try plugging the RCA leads from the DVD player into the AV input on the VCR. However, when playing a DVD the screen may start to change colour. This is due to the copy protection on the DVD and is used to deter people from copying DVD's. Depending on the DVD player itself, you may be lucky and the DVD may play fine.

If not then the only option left (besides buying a new TV!) is to use what is called an RF modulator. You will need to plug in the RCA leads from the DVD player to the RF modulator and connect the RF modulator to the TV via RF (aerial) leads and then tune in the TV until a picture is displayed.
 

I've Plugged In My DVD Player (Using the Red, White & Yellow RCA Cable) & Can Get Sound But No Picture (or a Bad Picture)

Firstly, double check that the RCA leads are plugged into the OUTPUT of the DVD player and the INPUT of the TV. Check that these connections are firm.

Secondly, try another RCA cable in case the original one is faulty.

A common problem is that the DVD player has had the progressive scan function enabled. In this case you should reset the DVD player according to the instruction manual. The progressive scan video option should only be enabled if your TV is progressive scan compatible and you are using a component cable.

If the picture is pink in colour, then it usually means that the component (YUV) or RGB video setting has been selected in the DVD setup menu. Go into the DVD setup menu and select the composite setting.

If the picture is black and white, it usually means that the S-Video setting has been selected in the DVD setup menu. Go into the DVD setup menu and select the composite setting.
 

My DVD Player Comes Up With The Message "No Disc" or "Error Reading Disc"

Firstly check the underside of the disc for scratches, dirt or fingerprints.

If the disc is in good condition then try using a DVD lens cleaner disc which can be bought from most audio/visual shops.

If the problem still persists then it could be a problem with the DVD player itself and you should have your equipment checked by an authorised repairman.

I Can Get Picture But No Sound On My TV After Connecting My DVD Player.

If you connected your DVD player directly to your TV using a red and white RCA lead, try using a different lead in case the original one is faulty. Check that these connections are firm.

Copyright A1 Tuning 2010