Hello, I am hoping someone can help me connect our tv to our cable dvr, a dvd player, and a vcr via an rf modulator and a switchbox. I have spent three days trying to figure it all out. The tv is an RCA model F25216WT it only has a coaxil connector in the back that is why I have the rf modulator. The cable dvr is from Time/Warner cable and is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300. The DVD player is a CyberHome CH-DVD 300. The VCR is a Mitsubishi HS-U500. The RF modulator is a TERK. The switchbox does not have any labeling on it to identify it. It has three input a/v connections in the back for three different devices. It also has an output a/v connection, two coaxil connections-one for in antenna and one out to tv. There is also an in a/v connections on the front. After being without the tv and cable for three days my husband is getting antzy. We babysit our grandchildren and they are getting bored playing games with poppa. I have managed to get the tv/cable to work but that is it. The cable company won't come out because it isn't their responsibility to hook everything else up. Can anyone help with this please?

Hi ktkelly, I take it from your questions that you feel that I need to use the HT as the hub instead of the TV? Here is the information about the units. HT does not pass componet video, it does pass composit video (both yellow RCA and S-video). The DVD/VHS does not have progressive scan. HT receiver does have DD/DTS decoding through coaxial cable. I have the Samsung DLP HL-S6187W. I may get a HD cable box when the cable company offers more than 5 or 6 channels. Thanks for your time.

I think I would remove everything from the mantle/cabinet and paint it one shade deeper than the wall it is on. Then fill the niches with large pottery, baskets, or metal bins. Leave the mantle empty and possibly two wrought iron wall sconces for a large fat candle on either side of fireplace. This picture shows some elements that might translate to your fireplace area. Color of fireplace is similar to wall. Basket adds texture that would look good in the niches The pottery vases and tall big plantings help balance the weight of the whole fireplace wall. I think it would also be nice if you had doors made for the side niches and use the center niche for a large filling plant in pottery, metal, or basketry.

You are exactly right about the busy design on the credenza. That is exactly why I was thinking of something less busy with the molding trim. Do you have any thoughts on what to do with the wall?