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How to Connect Gaming Devices & Other Equipment

by Ryan Mooney

  • Overview

    Connecting gaming devices and other media equipment together is a simple connection process that anyone can do. Gaming devices (such as Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and PlayStation 3) have become standardized and can be connected to other equipment, such as TVs and surround sound, with just a few cables and a secure power source.

  • Connect Gaming Device to Television

 

  • Step 1

    Make sure the back of your television and the back of your gaming device are both easily accessible. It is helpful to keep your gaming unit close to your television. Turn off the TV to avoid as loud sounds that may results from connecting cables.

  • Step 2

    Securely insert the power cable into the back of your gaming device and plug the other end into a wall outlet. Your gaming unit comes boxed with all the cables you need to connect to a television. You do not need to purchase extras unless you upgrade to HD formats.

  • Step 3

    Connect the video cables to the back of your gaming unit. The cables are either HDMI (one Hi-Def Cable); component cables (red, green and blue for video, red and white for audio); or audio-video cables (yellow for video, red and white for audio). The cable connection you use varies based on gaming system and the capability of your TV's resolution and technology.

  • Step 4

    Insert the video cables into the "Video In" ports on the back of your television. HDMI cable requires connection to one port. Component cables require connection to five ports. Audio-video cables require connection to three available ports. HDMI offers the best picture, followed closely by component. Audio-video cables offer acceptable quality for low-resolution televisions.

  • Step 5

    If you are connecting a Nintendo Wii, connect the motion sensor cable into the back of the Wii and then place the sensor bar on the top of the television.

  • Step 6

    Set your TV to the "Input Source" to verify a proper video and audio connection and turn on the gaming device. Wait for the gaming interface to appear to ensure a successful connection. Remember the port that you connected the video cables to. This is the "Input Source" selection you will choose to view the gaming connection.

  • Connect to Gaming Device and Surround Sound

    • Step 1

      Access the back of the TV that the gaming unit is connected to and access the back of your surround sound unit. It is important that you already have your surround sound connected, plugged in and all speakers connected properly. See your user's guide for instructions.

    • Step 2

      Make sure you have your gaming unit connected to your television and then get a pair of audio cables that have both red and white on each end of the wire.

    • Step 3

      Insert one end of audio cables (red and white) into an "Audio Out" port on the surround sound unit. Insert the other end of each cable into an "Audio In" port on the television.

    • Step 4

      Turn on your surround sound and your gaming unit. Test that the sound from your video game and television now come out of both the TV and the surround sound speakers.
    • 2
    • Gaming system console Cables packaged with system Video game Set of audio cables (red and white) Surround sound unit Television
    • Gaming system console
    • Cables packaged with system
    • Video game
    • Set of audio cables (red and white)
    • Surround sound unit
    • Television

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