Note: If you have connected your TV program source (antenna, cable or satellite) into your TV with only the RF antenna cable, you won't need to read this. If, however you have a second device, like a DVD, hooked up to your TV as well, read on...

If you have ever needed to switch to another connection to watch a DVD or your TiVo®, or VCR, it will help to know, to which input that device is connected. Inputs are usually labeled by number as it is on the label next to the connection on back or front of the TV, or by type.

Examples of inputs labeled by number are “video 1” “Video 2”, or “Input 1”, “Input 2”.

Examples of inputs labeled by type are “s-video input” or “component video input” or “hdtv input”.

Be sure that you have noted what device is hooked into which input and keep it for reference so you are not always scrolling through the list. If you don’t have your connections listed, and it's hard to see the back of your set you can change the inputs to find out. A good trick to discover which device is connected to which input: 1) Turn on the device and start playing the DVD, movie, home movie or game. 2) Then press the input button on your remote control until the picture shows up. Write down the name of the input for future reference.

You don’t have a button on your remote control that is labeled “input”? No fear…. It may also be labeled
“source”
“device”
“TV/video”
“video input”

When you press the button it may change to another input or it may give you a list of inputs on the screen. If it gives you a list, arrow down to highlight each input until you find what device you want to watch.

If your TV allows you to “name the inputs” (see the TV’s features listed in the manual), you may try to name the inputs once you have determined which device it is (so it will then say “DVD” or “Cable” when you scroll to that input) so you don't have to remember types of connections or input numbers.