I'm moving into my first apartment, which won't have Wi-Fi or cable. I do have electricity, a laptop, an unlimited phone hotspot, and a collection of standard DVDs that I'd like to watch occasionally. I originally considered a projector, but the apartment doesn't get dark enough, so I'm leaning toward a television instead. What should I look for in an affordable but reasonably reliable TV, and exactly what equipment and cables do I need to play regular DVDs? Please explain the setup in simple, literal terms because I'm not familiar with this technology.
4 Answers
For the least hassle, buy a basic TV and an inexpensive Blu-ray/DVD player from a local retailer, thrift store, pawn shop, or secondhand store. Make sure the remote is included if possible, and test used equipment before buying it. Check the TV for dead pixels and confirm that the player opens, reads a disc, and produces both picture and sound. Used electronics can sometimes have hidden problems, so keep the receipt and inspect them carefully.
Older DVD players may only have composite outputs: yellow for video, white for left audio, and red for right audio. In that case, the TV needs matching yellow, white, and red inputs. It’s easier to avoid compatibility issues by getting a newer player with HDMI. Another option is a USB external DVD drive for the laptop, although you may need a separate cable to connect the laptop to the TV and the laptop will need suitable playback software.
The simplest setup is a TV, a DVD or Blu-ray player, and a cable. A Blu-ray player is usually worth considering because it plays regular DVDs too. Choose a TV with an HDMI input and a player with an HDMI output, then connect them with a standard HDMI cable. You do not need Wi-Fi, cable service, or an expensive cable.
Once everything is home, plug the TV and player into power. Connect the player’s HDMI OUT port to an HDMI IN port on the TV, turn on the TV, select that HDMI input with the TV remote, then turn on the player and insert the disc. Use the player’s remote to choose Play. HDMI carries both the video and audio, so one cable is enough.
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