Just to the right of the Component Video Output is the Digital Coaxial Audio Output. This is the connection you need to connect the DVD recorder to your AV receiver to access Dolby Digital and/or DTS surround sound. Some DVD Recorders may also have a Digital Optical Connection as well, which is not pictured here. Either connection can be used, depending on what type of digital audio conneciton you have on your AV Receiver.
Just below the Component Video and Digital Audio Output are the standard AV Outputs. The Red and White connectors are analog stereo connections. If you have a receiver that does not have a digital audio connection, the analog stereo connections can be used to access the audio signal from the DVD recorder when playing back DVDs.
To the right of Stereo Audio output is the Composite (or RCA) Video output connector. In addition, to the right of the Composite Video connector is the S-Video Output connection.
You can use either the Composite, S-Video, or Component Video Connections to access the video playback signal from the DVD recorder. Component is the best option, S-Video second, and then Composite.
Moving further right, are the Audio and Video Input Connections, which is comprised of the Red and White Stereo Audio connections, as well as a choice of either Composite or S-Video. Some DVD recorders have more than one set of these connections. Most DVD recorders also have an additional set of connections on the Front Panel, for easier access for Camcorders. Most DVD recorders also have a DV-Input mounted on the front panel as well. The DV-Input is not pictured here.
On the far right of the back panel, is the RF Loop connection. The RF input allows the connection of an antenna, cable, or satellite box to the DVD recorder to allow recording of TV programs via the DVD recorder's built-in tuner. However, the RF output connection, is usually a pass-through connection only. In other words, you must have the DVD recorder connected to your TV via the Component, S-Video, or Composite Video output connections to view a DVD. If your TV does not have these connections, you may have to use an RF Modulator to view your recorded DVDs.
Also, check out my DVD Recorder FAQs and DVD Recorder Top Picks.