You've made the first step toward exciting HD programming: you've signed up for an HD package and received the HD satellite receiver from DirecTV. The other half of the puzzle is making the correct connections. In order to enjoy full HD, you'll need to get it hooked up right.
Instructions
1. Determine the type of connection that you want to use. Your DirecTV HD receiver should have the following options: HDMI, component video (red, blue, green), S-video and composite (yellow, red, white). You can eliminate the S-video and composite cable right away because these won't support HD. The choice between HDMI and component video lies with your television. Chances are that you have both, but check to make sure. HDMI is the best option so use it when available. If you don't have an HDMI input on your TV, connect with component video cables.
2. Determine your audio connection. If you're connecting your audio to a home theater system, be sure to use a digital connection. Your DirecTV receiver should have an optical and coaxial output for digital audio. HDMI also transmits audio and is the only cable that supports 7.1 formats. If you plan to use an HDMI connection for audio, be sure to get two separate HDMI cables. If you're connecting audio directly to your television, HDMI will get it done if that's how you're connecting video. If not, you can use an available digital or analog connection. The red and white composite outputs on your DirecTV receiver carry 2-channel audio. Check your home theater receiver or TV to determine the available connection for audio.
3. Purchase cables based upon the connections that you plan to use.
4. Make your connections. Since you've already decided exactly connect your components, physically making the connections is as simple as plugging in the cables. HDMI cable uses a basic single port and other cables like component and composite use a color-coded system that is easy to match from your receiver to your TV. If you're using HDMI to output audio to a home theater receiver, run one HDMI cable from the Direct TV output to the input on your home theater receiver, then run a second from the output on the receiver to your TV to supply the video.
5. Change your television and receiver to the appropriate input and test out your new HDTV.
Tags: home theater, component video, DirecTV receiver, home theater receiver, theater receiver, your television