Audio Systems: TV out of sound suddenly, vcr dvd player, psb alpha

Question
Kevin,

First of all, thank you for volenteering to help people like me out here.

We have an old Sony TV (don't have model info in my hand now), we mainly used it to play tape and vcd/dvd, but it's suddenly out of sound about one month ago. I even couldn't hear any background noise at all even when I turned it to tv channels, so I am quite positive that there is audio problem with it. As it is pretty old and we don't want to spend money to fix it, but it still has good picture (image) so we want to keep it for tape and vcd/dvd, then I would like to know if there is a way that I can get audio output from vcr/dvd player and export it? If the answer is yes, then what equipment should I have? I tried to directly connect my speaker to the vcr/dvd player audio output, and it didn't work.

What's your suggestions?

Thanks,
Peter

Answer
Dear Peter,

Do you have an audio receiver with a couple of speakers? Just connect the "AUDIO OUT" on your VCR to an available input (say, "AUX") on your receiver. You'll need a stereo RCA patch cord. If you don't have one, Radio Shack sells 'em cheap. When you play a tape, turn on your receiver and make sure the "AUX" function is engaged. Voila...sound!

If you don't have a receiver, you have a couple of choices: (1) buy a receiver and speakers, or (2) buy a new TV. The new TV will be cheaper. If you decide to buy a receiver and speakers and don't want to spend too much, I recommend a Sony A/V receiver (as little as $200) and PSB Alpha speakers ($200/pair; www.psbspeakers.com). You can get a pretty good replacement TV--some with VHS and DVD players built in--for $300-400. Like I said, your choice.

Good luck. And thanks for choosing allexperts.com!

Kindest regards,

Kevin