Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting VCR to Smart TV in 2023

Even if you enjoy watching videotapes, you can face difficulties trying to attach a VCR to your brand-new smart TV. A common reason for this is because the new TV’s connectors are difficult to locate. So, today, this article will describe how to hook up a VCR to a smart TV.

VHS players may still be connected to most TVs via a coaxial connection or a set of AV connections, even though they are currently regarded as outdated technology. You may also employ an RCA-to-HDMI adaptor to hook up employing AV cables and an HDMI cable if your TV and VCR don’t accept coaxial cables and AV, respectively.

Hook up the VCR to a Smart TV using a coaxial cable

Step 1: You should check the coaxial port on your TV and VHS player first

  • Coaxial (or “coax”) ports look like spherical, metal coils with a tiny hole in the center, however, if your TV is old enough, it could only have a small circular hole.
  • For this approach to function, your Television and your VHS player must both have a coaxial port.
  • AV cables can be utilized to attach your VHS player even if your TV or player doesn’t have a coax connector.

Step 2: Do not forget to grab a coaxial wire

  • Coaxial cables typically feature a loop around each end that can be utilized to strengthen the cable’s attachment to the socket. Coaxial cables use the same socket on both ends, which is a hollow cylindrical ball with a needle in the center.
  • You may purchase a coaxial cable on the internet or at a tech retailer if you don’t already have one.

Step 3: You need to disconnect and switch off your television

  • As a result, there will be less possibility that you will damage the TV or yourself when attaching the VHS player.

Step 4: Coaxial cable should have one end hooked to the VHS player

  • The coaxial connector on the rear of the VHS player should accept it immediately.
  • The coaxial wire may often be tightened to keep it connected to the VHS player.
  • You may generally see “TO TV” printed beneath the coaxial connector on your VHS player.
  • Connect the TV to the opposite end of the coaxial line. Once more, this should connect straight into the TV’s backside.
  • If you can, make sure to strengthen this link.

Step 5: Need to hook up your VCR to an electrical outlet

The power cord for the VCR should be plugged into a wall outlet or a circuit protector plug. You must first plug the power into the VCR’s power input if it is not already permanently attached to the device.

  • Now, you need to reconnect your TV’s power and switch it on. If the VCR is already on, proceed to the next step.
  • In order to turn on the VCR, you have to press the “Power” button.
  • To go to channel 3 or 4, use the “Channel +” or “Channel -“ buttons on your TV or the TV’s remote.
  • The channel usage might differ from TV to TV; the moment you view the blue screen on your VCR, you must be good to go.
  • Before you’re able to run a tape on some VCRs, you may have to adjust the channel on the device itself.
  • Simply plug the VHS tape into your VCR and click “Play” to start playing it.

Hook up the VCR to a Smart TV using AV cables

Step 1: Be certain to have AV cables

  • Older types of equipment are frequently connected to TVs via AV cables, which are red, white, and yellow tri-split wires.
  • While the yellow wire is for TV, the red and white wires are for stereo.
  • If you don’t already have any AV cables, you may get them for a reasonable price online or at a computer store.

Step 2: Verify that your TV has AV input

  • The red, white, and yellow ports are typically located on the TV’s rear, while some earlier TVs had these connections on the front surface.
  • If there are red and white ports but no yellow ports, search for a green input that indicates “Video”. You can indeed employ AV cables even if your Television has one of them.
  • You will be required to purchase an RCA-to-HDMI converter and an HDMI port if your TV lacks AV inputs.

Step 3: You need to disconnect and shut off your TV

  • As a result, there will be less possibility that you will damage the TV or yourself when attaching the VHS player.

Step 4: Time to connect your VCR with your AV cords

  • Connect the red line to the red connector on the rear of the VCR, the yellow wire to the yellow socket, and the white wire to the white connector.
  • Some VCRs only allow mono audio, hence the rear of the device will only feature a white or a red plug. Just disconnect the cable that isn’t supported.

Step 5: Time to connect the television with the opposite ends of the AV wires

  • Locate a set of input ports that are red, white, and yellow, and connect the wires to those ports.
  • Ensure that each of the three wires is located in the same input row, column, or region.
  • Follow the instructions below if you’re employing an RCA-to-HDMI adapter:
  • Connect the AV cables to the adapter’s colored terminals. Then you need to link one end of the HDMI cable to the RCA adapter and then connect another end to the HDMI port. Afterward, plug the power cable of the adapter into the main power supply.
  • The power cord for the VCR should be plugged into a wall outlet or a spike protector outlet.
  • You must first plug the power into the VCR’s power input if it is not already permanently attached to the device.
  • Your TV is now ready for use, so hook it back in and this could also start the VCR.
  • Push the “Input” or “Source” box on your TV until the “AV” option appears if it isn’t previously selected to access the AV input. Your VCR ought to be functional at this point and you can simply enter the VHS tape into your VCR and click “Play” to run it.

Conclusion

So, finally, these are the steps using which you can hook up a VCR to a smart TV and enjoy the old recorded moments of your life.