Running yer DVD player thourhgt yer VCR completely negates any of the picture quality benefits you get from DVD... so why bother... Just get yer movies on VHS... (Only get 'em while ya can... it's a format that's going away fast!)

One of the most commone problems improper DVD connections will lead to is a fading in and out of the movie picture... an RF modulator, as mentioned above is worth the 30 bucks... Or get yerself a TV with a S-video connection, and have done with it... the S-video connection is gonna be around for the next 10 or 15 years easily... which is long term enough when it comes to electronics...

"-would be much simpler if we just had TV with a DVD slot"

Ya... that way when the DVD player breaks down, you lose yer TV as well...   No thanks...