Connection questions for a dummy

I'll try to clear this up for you.

The red, white and yellow inputs you are referring to are composite video (yellow) and audio (red and white). If your only choices on this new monitor are composite or S video (or Y/C) you'll definately want to go with Y/C (you'll still need to use the red and white for audio). The remote for this unit should have an input button. More than likely you have 2 video inputs; one for Composite and one for Y/C. (There are sets out there that provide both hookups but the Y/C hookup overrides the other. Which means you cannot have two seperate video sources connected directly to the set. There are ways around this. Let me know if you need them.)

Now, as for how you're going to daisy chain your components... Check you dish receiver. What outputs does it provide? You should find a Y/C out. If so, go Y/C from the receiver to the VCR/DVD (Unless that unit does not have a Y/C input. If it doesn't I would consider replacing it with one that does. Your compromising your video signal.) Then Y/C from the VCR/DVD to the television. Remember that along with these Y/C connections you will also need to feed the audio down (red and white).

Your dish receiver should work similarly to a digital cable box. If the signal is coming from the dish itself via coax whatever output you use will be the one the signal passes through.

Yes, S video does provide better picture quality. I won't go into to detail. But it has to do with signal seperation and format conversions. Unless absolutelu unavoidable I would never use composite video out on a DVD player.

I hope that helps a bit. If not, let me know.

Which brand/model TV did you buy? I thought most big screens nowadays come with component video, in addition to S-Video and composite.

I bought a 27" JVC a few years ago (non-HD) that has all three connections.

Nice job, Tindalos. I get the impression you've done this before.

And GIO, I have a 32" JVC (non-hd) with component inputs as well.

I haven't seen any DVD/VCR combos with an S-Video Input, only Outputs.

Thank you. Yes, I spent 10 years or so in the A/V industry as a consultant (mostly to government and education).

And, come to think of it, JWinge1, I haven't seen a DVD/VCR combo unit with an S-Video Input either.

In order of image quality:

DVI - Found mostly on high-end sets, not too useful at the moment. It looks like a rectangle with a lot of holes and a slash or two in it. The only DVD player to take advantage of it is the Samsung HDDVD player (upcodes 480p to 720p). Does not carry sound

Component video - This is becoming the standard for high end connections. It is found on lots of TVs, all DVD players (I think) and some other home theatre pieces as well. This is a three pronged setup that carries the red, green, and blue pieces of an image in separate cables. Does not carry sound.

S-Video - This has been the standard, and is commonly found on most home theatre pieces. It looks like a large circle with lots of holes in it. Does not carry sound.

Composite video - This is the yellow white red cord setup commonly found on everything today. It carries the sound in stereo on the red and white cables and the video on the yellow.

Coaxial cable - This is the worst setup, it has been around the longest, and it carries everything in a single cord. There is one prong in the center of the circle that acts as the connection.

Whenever possible, use the highest available connection. If you have to choose, give the best to your DVD player, followed by VCR and cable (unless you have an HD signal, then give that the best available port).

If you use anything above composite video, you will have to use the red/white cables to transfer sound to your TV. (Unless you have a digital out on your PVR and a digital in on your TV)