Blu-ray Disc Player Rear Panel Connections

Starting from left to right, are the analog audio outputs. On this Blu-ray Player, there are both Analog Stereo Outputs and Analog 5.1 Channel Outputs. If you have an AV receiver without a Dolby Digital or DTS decoder, you can use the analog stereo outputs. However, if your AV receiver is equipped with 5.1 channel analog inputs, you should use the 5.1 channel analog outputs of the Blu-ray. The Blu-ray player has its own built-in Dolby Digital and DTS decoders, if your AV receiver does not have them.

Moving right, there is both a Composite video output and S-Video output. These connectors plug into the same type of connectors on a TV, Video Projector, or AV receiver. You can only access standard definition resolution through these outputs.

Movng still further right, is the Component Video output. The component video output consists of Green, Blue, and Red connectors. The component outputs of a Blu-ray player can pass both standard definition and high-definition (720p, 1080i) signals. It must be noted that the ability to access high definition signals through the component outputs is determined by the instructions placed on the actual Blu-ray Disc. This option is determined by each movie studio on an individual release basis.

Just to the right of the Component Video Outputs is the HDMI output. This output can pass both standard resolution and high definition signals at all times. It is also the output that has the ability to pass 1080p signals, in addition to 720p and 1080i. In addition, standard DVDs, when upscaled to 720p or 1080i, are accessible via this connection. In addition, if your Television has a DVI-HDCP connection (not pictured), rarther than HDMI, you can connect the HDMI output to a DVI-HDCP connection via a cable connection adapter.

To the right of the HDMI output are the Digital Optical and Digital Coaxial Audio Outputs. If you have an AV receiver with digital optical or digital coaxial audio inputs, use these connections to access surround sound.

For more information on Blu-ray Disc Players, check out my reference article: Before You Buy a Blu-Ray Disc or HD-DVD Player and my Top Picks for Blu-ray Disc and HD-DVD Players.