1. Starting on the left are the analog DVD Player input connections. It is preferred that you connect your DVD player to the RX-V861 using Component Video connections.
2. Moving right, there is a connection row labeled DTV. This can be used to connect the analog audio outputs from either an analog or Digital/HDTV, or you can use it to connect the analog audio/video outputs of an external TV tuner or video outputs of a cable or satellite box. However, if you have an HD Cable or HD Satellite Box, it would be better to use either the Component or HDMI connection option, paired with Digtial Optical or Digital Coaxial Audio Connections.
3. Still moving right, are the VCR1 and VCR2/DVR audio/video connection loops. Having two loops allows the user to connect two VCRs, a VCR and DVR (such as TIVO), a VCR and DVD Recorder, two DVD Recorders, two DVRs, or a DVD Recorder and DVR. Also, since both input and output connections are provided, you can use the video switching functions of the RX-V861 to dub audio and video from the source devices connected to the receiver to your video recording devices connect to the VCR1 and VCR2/DVR connection loops or dub between the two, unless the signals are copy-protected.