How to add a VCR when I don't have any more inputs except Serial & 15P

[Alucard41]

First, I want to apologize for being such a dunce when it comes to this subject.

I have an older Panasonic 42" plasma, model TH-42PWD4 which has been excellent over the last 6 years or so. I have Comcast (Motorola) box with DVR and HD. I also have a basic DVD player and AV receiver. I wanted to add a VCR (my wife needs it to view a few videos for teaching purposes) but my plasma doesn't have any more inputs, so it seems.

I have my Comcast box hooked to the "AV IN Terminals" section. I have my DVD player connected to the "COMPONENT/RGB IN" section. I am only left with a "PC IN"(15P) and "SERIAL"(D-SUB9) sections for hooking up a computer.

So, I have no more where to plug my VCR(has an S Video, RCA's, Component) into. AM I missing something? When I push the "Input" button on the Plasma I have only 3 choices with the only one being left is for a PC.

Can I get an RCA or Component to 15P or D-SUB9 adapter? The sound will work because I just hok this into my AV receiver.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. I just hate to switch cables with the DVD every time and I don't want to spend anymore on a DVD/VCR combo. Thank you very much in advance.

[jagabo]

Why do you have an HD PVR hooked up to your TV via composite? You can't get HD that way.
If you have an HDMI input connect the Cable box to TV with HDMI. That will free up the composite port for the VCR.

Oh, I see, it's nearly a standard def tv.

If it only has one composite/s-video input and one component input you'll need an external switch. Or put the VCR between the cable box and the TV.

[usually_quiet]

If you hooked up the VCR between your cable box and the TV, you'd merely have to turn on the VCR (without playing a tape) and select its line-in to your TV to watch cable.

If you bought a switch you'd press a button or slide a switch to select your cable box or your VCR. It has the advantage of not requiring any power.

Here are inexpensive examples of the switches mentioned. I think I have seen some switches with remotes too, but they cost considerably more, and would need power.

http://www.antonline.com/p_28746-NX_290791.htm

http://www.thenerds.net/CABLES_TO_GO.AUDIO_VIDEO_EXPLORER_.28746.html

http://www.thenerds.net/ACOUSTIC_RESEARCH.2_Input_AudioS_Video_Selector.AR200.html

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=cart_accessories&A=details&Q=&sku=278617&is=REG

[edDV]

That TV is capable of 720p input from the HD cable box over the analog component connection. The 1280x720p input will be downscaled internally to native display resolution 852x480p. Set cable box to 720p out. Cable box SD override should be set to 480p. This should give a superior picture from an HD or SD source.

So, I'd install a component analog switch for the cable box and DVD player to share leavining the composite input free for the VCR. The DVD player should be set for progressive 720x480p out.

http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=53822
http://www.wedgwood-group.com/panasonic_th-42pwd4_plasma_screen.htm

[usually_quiet]

Component switches, though somewhat more expensive than composite switches, would give you a better picture if you used them. They are not as easy to find in brick-and-mortar stores as the composite type. There are a few relatively inexpensive examples on this page.

http://www.amazon.com/JVC-JXS111-Compatible-Component-Switcher/dp/B00005USA7