How to Connect a Video Switcher

Video switchers are often called switchboxes. They are connected to a television through component cables. They connect multiple devices such as DVD players or cable boxes to a television that has only one or two ports. They allow you to use fewer cords and operate more than one device on your television.

Items Needed:

• Switchbox


• 2 sets of component cables or HDMI cables

1. Locate the audio output ports behind the switchbox. They will be marked red, yellow and white. Connect the audio cables to the output ports, matching them to the right colors.


2. Connect the opposite ends of the cables to the audio input ports behind the television. They will also match in color.


3. Use the second set of composite cables to connect the device to the switchbox. If your switchbox and device have matching HDMI ports, you can use an HDMI cable to connect them instead of the component cables.


4. Connect as many devices as desired to the switchbox. You can connect only as many devices as you have ports for.


5. Inspect the knobs and switches on the front of the switchbox. Each knob or switch corresponds to a different device. Turn on the device using the right knob.


6. Press the "Source" or "Input" button on your television to select the proper TV mode for the switchbox. Most televisions call this mode "Video 1" or "Component 1." If the television has more than one switchbox port, it will have more than one video or component channel.


7. Press the play button on the device to allow it to play through your television.