RF modulator setup questions

[lilblu]

I need to buy a RF Modulator for my parents so they can hookup their new dvd player. I have a few questions as I'm not familiar with these things. The basic model I was looking at only had RF input and output, stereo audio inputs (left & right), and composite video input. The other model which was a few dollars more had audio output ports. What is the reason for the audio output ports? What would you use them with?

The other problem is I'm wondering if the rf modulator and dvd player will work with my parents tv setup. They have analog cable with a cable box. So the cable connects to the cable box input, the cable box output goes to the vcr input, the vcr output goes to the tv input. With the rf modulator, would I connect the vcr output to the rf modulator input and the rf modulator output to the tv input? The instructions for most of them also say to tune the tv to channel 3 (or 4) for it to work but their tv must be tuned to channel 3 all the time anyway for the cable to work. So would I turn the cable box to channel 3?

[olyteddy]

If it has an RF input and output, I'd put it after the VCR and before the TV. DVD players (unless modified) all have MacroVision on the output and most VCRs will choke on that. The modulator should automatically pass the signal thru from the VCR or Cable box when not in use.

[vcd_user]

If you have a VCR, you do not need an RF modulor because the VCR already has one.
If your TV only takes RF input (i.e. it only takes signal from cable or antenna), now you must have your VCR's RF_out connected to your TV's RF_IN. Then what you need to do is connect the DVD player's Video_out and Audio_out (L&R) to your VCR's Audio_IN (L&R) and Video_IN. When yu power on your VCR, the Video and Audio signal from the DVD player will be converted to RF signal by the VCR and you can watch it on the TV (normally CH3 or 4). This will also allow you to record the DVD onto VHS tape (if there is no copy right violation).

[FulciLives]

Radio Shack sells just the device for you!

Here is the link ---> CLICK HERE

This device is a video switcher and has 4 input jacks that accept composite or S-video along with stereo RCA audio.

So you have the RF cable go to the cable box then to the VCR then the composite video and RCA stereo audio from the VCR to INPUT 1 of the Radio Shack switcher.

You then connect the DVD player to the switcher using composite video and RCA stereo audio and connect this to INPUT 2.

Then the switcher has a built-in RF modulator so you can connect it to a TV that only has an RF in (and set the TV to channel 3).

Now on the switcher you pick "1" for CABLE TV/VCR and "2" for DVD and that still leaves two inputs on the Switcher for other stuff.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

P.S.
According to the RADIO SHACK website this is an item that you can find at a store ... in other words you don't have to mail order it.

[FulciLives]

If you have a VCR, you do not need an RF modulor because the VCR already has one.
If your TV only takes RF input (i.e. it only takes signal from cable or antenna), now you must have your VCR's RF_out connected to your TV's RF_IN. Then what you need to do is connect the DVD player's Video_out and Audio_out (L&R) to your VCR's Audio_IN (L&R) and Video_IN. When yu power on your VCR, the Video and Audio signal from the DVD player will be converted to RF signal by the VCR and you can watch it on the TV (normally CH3 or 4). This will also allow you to record the DVD onto VHS tape (if there is no copy right violation).

As already stated by olyteddy this will not work with SOME ... yes SOME not ALL ... VCR units.

I think my suggestion is the best.

Then again I would think that LOL

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[vcd_user]

I have 2 VCRs at home (a Sanyo and a Mitsubishi), they both will pass the signal with no problem unless I hit the record button. I am not sure what copy right protection is on the VHS tape or DVD when I was doing it. Both my VCRs are more than 5 years old. I can not speak for other brands or other models. But I think that should be the way to implement the copy right protection. It should NOT interfere the machine function unless I tried to record. Anyway if you want to be sure that it works everytime using a separate RF modulator together with switching capability as suggested by other replies will be the right way to do it.
BTW, radio shack in Canada is selling RF modulator for 49.99 but I can find one in Walmart here for 24.99. I have not compare their quality. You may want to shop around before you buy.

[FulciLives]

I have 2 VCRs at home (a Sanyo and a Mitsubishi), they both will pass the signal with no problem unless I hit the record button. I am not sure what copy right protection is on the VHS tape or DVD when I was doing it. Both my VCRs are more than 5 years old. I can not speak for other brands or other models. But I think that should be the way to implement the copy right protection. It should NOT interfere the machine function unless I tried to record. Anyway if you want to be sure that it works everytime using a separate RF modulator together with switching capability as suggested by other replies will be the right way to do it.
BTW, radio shack in Canada is selling RF modulator for 49.99 but I can find one in Walmart here for 24.99. I have not compare their quality. You may want to shop around before you buy.

What you think and what you know are not the same my friend.

Some VCR units will pass a video signal with copy protection if you are not recording but many will not. It is really hit-or-miss. Some prevent a clean signal 100% of the time ... others only when in record mode.

My suggestion bypasses all that plus it allows for the VHS VCR/CABLE TV to work the same as it does now while adding a DVD player. All you have to do different is hit INPUT 1 or INPUT 2.

Remember he said this was for his parents. You start changing things too much and some people (especially some ummm older people) get all befuddled.

Remember the unit I am advocating is not only a switcher but also has a built-in RF modulator. A single RF modulator will not work here as the TV only has a single RF input.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman

[lilblu]

I just finished setting up the DVD player and all the connections using the Philips PH61159 RF modulator (DVD converter). It has 1 RF output, 1 RF input, and of course the 3 RCA inputs (1 video and 2 audio).

Everything seems to work fine but I noticed a slight distortion or interference (or something) in the picture while watching a DVD. It's so slight that the average viewer probably wouldn't notice but I noticed and found it annoying. It reminds me of either electrical interference or macrovision. I think I need to switch some connections but I'm not sure.

The cable box is connected to the RF modulator which is connected to the VCR and then to the TV. Is that the correct setup or should it be Cable box>VCR>RF modulator>TV? Or does it really even matter? I could just switch the connections and see what happens but the TV stand is situated in such a way that it would take me 10 minutes just to get to and unscrew the coax cables.

So any advice would be helpful. The last thing I want to do is have to go back and change all the connections. It took me over 30 min just to set everything up because I couldn't get to the backs of the tv and vcr. It only took me two minutes to connect my new DVD player so you can see the problem here.

[FulciLives]

You should have bought the Radio Shack device I suggested. Then you wouldn't be having these issues.

I refuse to offer more help since you couldn't follow my simple suggestion to begin with.

- John "FulciLives" Coleman