Need To Connect RF Output From VCR to Computer Monitor DVI-D Or VGA Input

[airkiss7]

Been trying to solve this on my own, however I need to purchase the best option first, NOT after 3-4 tries like usual.

I'm burning DVDs with GREAT success thanks to input from the experts on this Forum, MANY THANKS !

My system uses a JVC SR-MV30 VCR outputting to A Sony VRD-MC5 DVD burner. The Sony has a SMALL screen to monitor the image. The JVC VCR only has 1 output for RCA/S-video cables. It does also have an RF style output. It seems to me that I could also output a video only signal from that to an ACER computer monitor (DVI-D and VGA inputs) so I could watch the VCR and be able to start the Sony burner recording at a more precise point on the VHS tape.

Can anyone here give a recommendation as to what I need to connect, and if possible actual manufacturer names and part #s ???

Thanks Again !

Joe & Ruth

[dellsam34]

As I mentioned in your other thread, Capturing into DVD is not the best option, but if you are satisfied with the quality, that's what matters.

Regarding your monitoring situation, Do you have a spare TV or monitor? If so see if it has a spare yellow RCA composite input, if not get a cheap composite to HDMI and connect to the TV/monitor. If you must go back to computer again for monitoring I suggest to just capture in there as I wrote in your other thread.

[VWestlife]

Just go to any thrift store, flea market, garage sale, etc., grab any old TV that works, and connect that to the VCR's RF output to serve as a monitor. If there's an "e-waste" collection point in your area, people dump perfectly good working TVs there all the time.

[airkiss7]

Thanks for the input, it seems RF to DVI-D/VGA is not possible. I have 4 identical Acer monitors. 3 are connected to the computer and are active, and the 4th is mounted above the middle screen and currently unused. I was trying to keep my somewhat small work station as uncluttered as possible with this approach.

[BW37]

Actually, it appears there is something available. I have no experience with so cannot vouch for their quality/functionallity/suitability for your use but what you want is an "RF Demodulator". There are some listed on both Amazon and E-bay. Search "RF modulator (hdmi, vga)" on ebay. Note the different RF input connection types and make sure you get the right one. For HDMI output you'll need an HDMI to DVI-D adapter but they're readily available, or you might already have one squirreled away somewhere.

You'd need to be able to tune the unit to the channel (3 or 4 for a US market VCR) you will be sending the unit from your VCR.

Worth a look?

BW

[airkiss7]

Thanks BW,

Just spent an hour looking. I can find plenty HDMI to RF "Modulators". RF to HDMI "Demodulators'" I could only find 1, and even that one is iffy. I did find 1 that was BNC to HDMI. This quest seems fruitless at this point.

[lingyi]

RF Demodulators have always been rare and very expensive because of their limited need and use. The cheapest way to get one is another VCR. Then composite to VGA adapter.

Edit: An old NTSC tuner or DVR would also work.

[dellsam34]

Why complicate things? The DVD recorder should have composite out, use a cheap composite to HDMI box and an extra HDMI monitor if the purpose is to just monitor the capture. Alternatively, if the VCR can output S-Video and composite simultaneously use that composite output instead of the DVD recorder's one.

[lingyi]

@dellsam34

The device the OP has only has inputs, no output.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/photo-frames-printers-others-blu-ray-dvd-writ...rd-mc5/manuals

@OP

Simultaneous composite out to VGA (composite to VGA adapter) is the easiest solution. I believe most VCRs are capable of that.

If that's not possible, use an S-Video switch and an S-Video to VGA apapter to alternate between the monitor and recorder. You'll lose a bit of quality if you don't use an active powered switch. Alternately, you could manually use a female to female adapter to switch between the cables. While there are S-Video and composite Y-splitters, don't use them, you'll lose a high level of quality!

[VWestlife]

Simultaneous composite out to VGA is the easiest solution. I believe most VCRs are capable of that.

Which VCR have you ever seen with a VGA port on it?

If you're thinking of SCART, that's a European thing, not found on NTSC models.

[airkiss7]

Everyone's excellent input just gave me a bolt out of the blue. My idea may corrupt the signal to the Sony recorder (I certainly can't have that), but here goes;

My VCR to Recorder connections are RCA cables for audio, and an S-video cable for video, that leaves the yellow RCA video output open. Could that be used to connect to DVI-D/VGA without corrupting the signal to the recorder ???

I also thought last night that I have a large flatscreen TV leaning against the wall about 10 ft away. It has many input/outputs, but it does also have an RF "antennae" input. Seems I could run a cable from the VCR directly to that ???

[dellsam34]

I also thought last night that I have a large flatscreen TV leaning against the wall about 10 ft away. It has many input/outputs, but it does also have an RF "antennae" input. Seems I could run a cable from the VCR directly to that ???

If that TV has composite input use it, Composite can run up to 10ft easily, While the quality for monitoring doesn't really matter, I would prefer composite over RF to reduce signal interference, That 10ft RF coaxial you run to the TV becomes a giant antenna and could interfere with your capturing workflow.

[airkiss7]

Hey dellsam, Thanks for the prompt reply ! I had a feeling the RF cable could cause an issue . I already have RCA cables running from the TV to my work station, I used to watch my VHS tapes on it. It sounds like you don't see an issue with plugging the yellow cable into the yellow output of the VCR while recording with the DVD recorder.

[dellsam34]

Most VCRs, at least the ones I used have active shared outputs not passive, meaning that that outputs are individually pre amped and sent out to different outputs, So no, connecting the composite out to TV while capturing S-Video is perfectly fine, provided the VCR does output both simultaneously.

[lingyi]

Simultaneous composite out to VGA is the easiest solution. I believe most VCRs are capable of that.

Which VCR have you ever seen with a VGA port on it?

If you're thinking of SCART, that's a European thing, not found on NTSC models.

Arrghhh...incomplete thought! *Fixed*

I meant composite to composite to VGA adapter.