1. Starting on the left are the analog DVD Player input connections. It is preferred that you connect your DVD player to the RX-V863 using Component Video or HDMI connections.
2. Moving right, there is a connection row labeled DTV/Cable. 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 Cable 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 withDigtial 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-V863 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.
4. Finally, on the far right, are composite and S-Video monitor outputs. If you have an older TV that does not have Component or HDMI inputs, but does have either composite or S-video inputs, these two types of output will work.