Audio Systems: adding a dvd player to my 5-disc player/surround sound system, panasonic dvd player, vcr record

Question
QUESTION: Hello. I have a Panasonic 5-disc player w/ surround sound/subwoofer/5 speakers. it's 4 years old and now will only play certain dvds. I got a Samsung (one disc) dvd player for Xmas, and I want to hook it up so that I can watch dvds on that dvd player, but be able to use the surround sound with it.  There is one type of cable that goes directly from the sub to the 5disc player. I can't use that cable for anything else, but there has to be a way I can do this.? Can you please help me?  I don't have an HDTV (yet), but currently, I have the panasonic dvd player and my vcr hooked up to my tv. Is there any way I can watch dvds on my new player with the surround sound and not have to keep switching cables on the back of my tv or dvd player/s?   I hope I was clear enough writing this.. it seems like it's complicated, and am hoping to be able to do this without much complication!   :)  thanks so much in advance if you can help.  -Melissa

ANSWER: I am assuming that the Panasonic system is a compact system that comes with all of the components. Can you please provide the model number. I will try and find the operation manual to see if it has any spare inputs. You can also help by describing the rear of the unit and any RCA jacks that are not being used if in fact they exist.

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QUESTION: Hello again. The Panasonic model # is SC-HT720. I have the operation manual in front of me. When I look at the "operating other equipment", it shows how to connect a vcr, record discs, and to play sound from a tape deck.. There is also an "aux" input. I tried hooking up the red/white cables to the inputs on the side of the tv.. didn't get video but got sound (only from the tv). I have inputs on the back of the tv and the side.  I'm not sure what you mean by RCA jacks? (sorry)  The new dvd player came with a yellow cord, and the red/white cord.  I could go to the Panasonic site, but the last time I had to call them, they told me to service the dvd player component (or replace the whole thing). they were not very helpful. My next place to ask is radio shack where my dad bought the new dvd player.. I just happened to run across this site and figured I'd ask here first.  
the rear of the Panasonic has "aux, vcr audio, tv audio, line out, and component video out (480P/480I) , a video out and S-video out". I believe at the moment, only 3 cables are attached in the back, but 3 are attached on the side of the tv. Should I try hooking the cables to the "component video out" jacks?  Sorry for my ignorance, I haven't hooked that many systems up by myself!  Thanks again for your help. Much, much appreciated!

Answer
All of the inputs that you describe are RCA inputs (the name of the  the plugs on the interconnect cables to the Samsung & Panasonic as well as the input and output jacks).

The Audio outputs of your Samsung DVD player should be connected to a any one of the 3 audio inputs (left & right)of the SC-HT720. From what I can see there does not seem to be video switching and monitoring from an external source on the Panasonic, therefore you will connect the video output of the Samsung DVD player to a video input of the TV. The TV will only be used for viewing and you will monitor audio with the SC-HT720. The surround sound capabilities of this unit are limited. These should be used a matrix mode so that you hear sound from all of the speakers on the SC-HT720.