Installing Audio/Video Systems

The DVD has become the heart of most audio/video systems whether the end user is a novice or an audio/video enthusiast. DVD actually describes an audio/video format that combines digital audio and digital video on to a disc equal in size/dimension to a CD disk. However, to the Ace dealer, when the customer says DVD, the majority of the time the DVD player is being discussed. There are numerous combinations of components to connect with an audio/video system. The instruction to follow will touch on the most common.

• DVD to RF Modulator TV
• DVD to TV (Audio Connection)
• DVD to Stereo Amplifier (Audio Connection)
• DVD to Dolby® Digital Audio/Video Receivers (Digital Audio Connection)
• Connect Surround Sound Speakers to Dolby® Digital Audio/Video Receivers (Audio Connection)
• DVD to TV (Video Connection)
• DVD to Dolby® Digital Audio/Video Receivers to TV (Video Connection)

DVD to RF Modulator TV

The DVD player does not have an "F" connector coaxial output. Also, older model TV's and some promotional TV's are equipped with only a "F" connector coaxial input. Therefore connectivity can be a problem.

DVD to TV (Audio Connection)

When a DVD player is connected directly to a TV, the audio is basic stereo analog because of the input jacks on TV.

DVD to Stereo Amplifier (Audio Connection)

When a DVD player is connected to a traditional two channel stereo amplifier, the audio is basic stereo analog, a function of technology of the stereo receiver.

Use ACE stereo speaker cables to connect the TV to the stereo receiver.

DVD to Dolby® Digital Audio/Video Receivers (Digital Audio Connection)

The digital audio output from a DVD connects into a Dolby® digital audio/video receiver. Thus, allowing the receiver to distribute the highest possible quality audio throughout the entire system. Most all DVD's and Dolby® digital audio/video receivers will allow both optical fiber (Toslink®) or coaxial digital connections. However, you may only USE one not both. In many cases, the performance is identical. However, optical fiber has the advantage of no RF interference. With coaxial digital, it is argued to have the most true sound.

Optical Fiber

Use ACE digital optical cables Toslink® to Toslink®. Advantage - no interference.

OR

Digital Coaxial

Use ACE digital coaxial cables RCA Plug to RCA Plug. Advantage - most true sound.

Connect Surround Sound Speakers to Dolby® Digital Audio/Video Receivers

The digital audio output from a DVD connects into a Dolby® Digital audio/video receiver. Thus allowing the receiver to distribute the highest possible quality audio throughout the entire system. The output from an audio/video receiver is delivered to six channels of sound including front speakers (right and left), front center channel, back speakers (right and left), and rear center channel. The power subwoofer is then also added making this a "6.1 Channel" system.

Use ACE No. 3175320 subwoofer cable to connect subwoofer to Dolby® digital audio/video receiver.

Speaker Wire: We recommend 16 AWG or 14 AWG Premium OFC wire

DVD to TV (Video Connection)

Depending on inputs available on the TV, there are three options (three types of video cable) to connect DVD to TV. Regarding DVD output to a TV, first inspect the back of the TV to determine the inputs available on the TV. There may be all three as described in the graphic below or there may only be one of the three. Option 1 is the most common of the three. Option 3 will provide the very best quality picture. We recommend using Option 3 if the input jacks are available.

OPTION 1: Good
DVD Player to TV using RCA to RCA composite video cable.

OPTION 2: Better
DVD Player to TV using S-Video Cable.

OPTION 3: Best
DVD Player to TV using component video cable.

DVD to Dolby® Digital Audio/Video Receivers to TV (Video Connection)

The input available on the TV will determine the option to use from component to component. Option 3 is suggested when possible for BEST picture.

OPTION 1: Good
DVD Player to Dolby® digital A/V receiver to TV using RCA to RCA composite video cable.

OPTION 2: Better
DVD Player to Dolby® digital A/V receiver to TV using S-Video cable.

OPTION 3: Best
DVD Player to Dolby® digital A/V receiver to TV using component video cable.

We recommend that once a specific cable option is chosen (e.g. S-Video), that type of cable should be used between each component hook up.

The choice of Good, Better, or Best depends upon the Input/Output jacks available on the system components.

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Check your state and local codes before starting any project. Follow all safety precautions. Information in this document has been furnished by the North American Retail Hardware Association (NRHA) and associated contributors. Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and safety. Neither NRHA, any contributor nor the retailer can be held responsible for damages or injuries resulting from the use of the information in this document.