Connecting Other Components

Tips to Read Before Connecting Components

Stacking Arrangements

If you are connecting several components and plan to use a component rack, follow these general rules when arranging your components.

•If the components are arranged horizontally, allow at least an inch or two of space between them so air can circulate freely. This will also provide some space between the audio devices to minimize interference.

•If components are arranged vertically on shelves, place the Stereo Amplifier at the top so that heated air rising from it will not pass around the other components.

•Do not block the ventilation holes in the components. If components are placed on rugs or deep-pile mats, the ventilation holes in the bottoms may be blocked and overheating could result.

•Some VCRs may cause interference in TV's. When placing a VCR under your TV, try to keep at least 18 inches between the bottom of the TV and the top of the VCR. If interference is present when the VCR is used on top of the TV or at the

18-inch distance below the set, move the VCR beside the TV. If moving the VCR does not solve the interference problem, try plugging the VCR into a different wall socket.

Turning Off Power Before Connecting Components

Always turn off power to all components before you connect or disconnect any cables. This will protect your components from possible electrical surges that could damage your equipment.

This is a good practice for all your audio and video components-TV's, VCRs, audio systems, computers, etc.

Positioning Cables to Avoid Hum

The possibility of picking up hum (interference noise) in the audio/video cables will be reduced if you keep them away from the back of the TV. Route the cables to the sides of the TV's back panel instead of straight down the middle.

All cable plugs should be firmly seated in the jacks where they connect to the equipment. If a plug is not connected firmly, audio hum or smeared video may result.

If your antenna cable is flat twin-lead cable, try to keep it away from the audio/video cables as much as possible. Excess fiat, twin-lead cable should be cut off instead of coiled behind the TV. Round, coaxial, antenna cable is usually shielded and can

be coiled or placed next to audio/video cables without causing interference.

Plugging in Power Cords

Do not plug any power cord into a wall outlet until you are finished making connections.

Many components have "convenience outlets" on their back panels so you can plug power cords from other components into a "convenience outlet" instead of a wall outlet. Usually these outlets will be labeled either "switched" or "unswitched".

•If the outlet is labeled "switched", that means power to the

outlet will be switched off when the component's power button is switched off.

•If the outlet is labeled "unswitched", that means power will

always be available at that outlet, even when the component is turned off.

Depending on the size of your system, you may prefer to use an extension cord or a "multiple adapter" to get enough outlets for all your components.

The power cords on your components are "polarized" (one blade is wider than the other). Be sure the extension cord or multiple adapter is also polarized. The plug should fit in the outlet only one way.

Positioning Speakers to Avoid Interference

Placing external speakers with unshielded magnets too close to the TV may result in the speaker magnets affecting the quality of the picture. Such speakers should be located at least eight inches away.

If unshielded speakers are too close to the TV, colored streaks will appear along the sides of the picture. If this happens, turn off the TV for several minutes while moving the speakers farther away. Then turn the TV back on.