Your DVD player has multiple output types, beyond those simple red white yellow you mentioned, and your TV too has multiple input types. You are advised to hook them up with the best (highest bandwidth) available interface, and that is called COMPONENT which, lucky you, is available on both devices. A component hookup consist of 5 RCA plugs on each end, 3 for video and 2 for audio. This will provide you with best video quality but STEREO only, no surround.
I already went into the trouble of reading the manuals for you, now the ball is in your court.