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How to Hook Up the Five Components for the Wii

The Nintendo Wii added a wealth of powerful new features to the world of video gaming. However, with new features comes new technology, which makes setting up the Wii a little more complicated than previous gaming machines. Besides the five different components--the Sensor Bar, Video Cable, AC Adapter, Console and the Wii Remote--some people will attach component cables for a progressive scan image. Knowing how to set these up makes getting into the game a smoother and faster process.

Things You'll Need

Wii composite cables (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Set the Wii console on your TV stand. If you plan to leave it horizontally, simply put it into place. If you're going to stand it vertically, use the Wii stand. Slip the tabs on the transparent plastic disc into the slots on the bottom of the grey stand, then place the console into the groove on the stand.
- 2
  Plug the AC adapter into the port on the back, then plug the adapter into the wall socket.
- 3
  Plug the sensor bar into the red port on the back of the console. Drape the wire along the back of your home entertainment setup, and place the sensor bar in front of the TV, or on top of the TV. Place it on the edge of the TV stand or of the TV itself, near the center of the TV itself. If you attach it to the top of the TV, use the included double-sided tape, or even the stand, to keep the sensor bar in place.
- 4
  
  Typical RGA cables work on the Wii.
  
  Connect the video cable to the back of the Wii with the included RGA cable or the Wii component cable (which has slightly better image quality). Plug the red and white audio cables into the red and white audio in, and use the corresponding video in port. Plug the yellow lead into the video port, or if you're using the component cable, plug the three component leads into the corresponding component ports.
- 5
  Turn on the TV and set the input method to the "Video In" or "Component" setting your Wii is attached to.
- 6
  Put batteries in the Wii remote, then press the power button on the controller to switch on the console. The screen should come on showing the Wii medical warnings. Press the A button on the remote to bring up the Wii menu screen.
- 7
  Move the cursor to the Wii icon in the lower left-hand corner of the main Wii menu. Click that icon, and click with the A button.
- 8
  Navigate to and select the "Screen" menu. Change the various settings until your TV is set up correctly. Under "Screen Position" move the Wii's image left and right until the center of the image is in the center of the screen. The widescreen settings option allows you to choose whether your screen is in standard 4:3 or widescreen 16:9 size, and screen resolution lets you select progressive if you're using component cables. When the settings are correct, click "Back."
- 9
  Navigate again to sensor bar on the menu, and enter the sensor bar's position (above or below the screen).

Nintendo Wii