How Do I Connect HDTV Cable?

by Joshua Benjamin, Demand Media

HDTV video cables come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they all serve a single function: to get the HD video signal from your video device -- such as a Blu-Ray Player -- to your HD-capable television. Of course, for them to perform their job correctly, you must connect the cable to both the video device and the television.

Step 1

Examine your cable to determine exactly which type of HD cable it is. As of June 2011, there are three basic types of cables: "component" cables, which look like regular video cables except they are red, green and blue; HDMI cables, which look like oversize USB cables; and "DVI" cables, which look like large computer-to-monitor cables (mostly because that's what they are).

Step 2

Search the back of your video device for the HD video plug that coincides with your cables.

Step 3

Plug your cable into the appropriate connector plug.

Step 4

Examine your TV and -- again -- the appropriate inputs for your HD cable.

Step 5

Plug the other end of your HD cable into the inputs on your TV screen.

Tips & Warnings

  • When connecting your cable to the video device, plug the cables into the "output" plugs and not the "input" plugs.

About the Author

Joshua Benjamin began as a professional freelance writer in 2009. He has successfully published numerous articles spanning a broad range of topics. Benjamin's areas of expertise include auto repair, computer hardware and software, firearms operation and maintenance, and home repair and maintenance. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration from California State University, Fresno.