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Started by Estenriq | | 7 answers
connect tv to computer
I just picked up a small CRT tv from my parish with hopes of connecting it to my computer, either my modern one, or even my IBM PC from the early 80s.

I looked at the back of the tv and the only input it has is a coaxial sort of thing, for antenna or VCR or something. No svideo, no other inputs. Just that. My computer has vga and thats pretty much it I think. Is there any way I can get this rig going? Is it a good idea, or should I just get an actual crt monitor? Mind you, I'd rather spend the least cash for best result.

Also, the input for the tv says
VHF/UHF
75 ohms

Thanks!
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a b x TV
April 26, 2014 11:37:54 PM

didn't see, but good to know it's solved
a b x TV
April 26, 2014 10:21:40 PM

unknownofprob said:
if you can get a cable from VGA to a video input on the T.V., it'll work.


The only connection on his TV is a coax input, no rca, no svideo nothing, just the coax input, says so in his second sentence.

Best solution chosen by Estenriq

a b x TV
April 26, 2014 10:20:38 PM

Ok you cant just convert an svideo or rca cable to coax, you have to take the video and modulate it as a frequency to put it on the coax. This is why you had to turn your TV to channel 3 or 4 to get your VCR to show up. The VCR modulates its video onto the frequency band that the TV sees as channel 3 or 4.

You can use the VCR in place of the RF modulator but you will still need a VGA to svideo or RCA converter and the VCR, and the VGA cable, the RCA cable and the Coax cable.

You need an adapter for VGA because it sends separate data for red, blue, green, horizontal and vertical sync among its 15 wires. The adapter takes this info and then merges it onto a RCA connection.

You will require many parts to end up with a twice converted image that is probably not going to look good, and it is not going to save you much money if any at all.

I would look for a used monitor, a flat panel for the early 2000s would be leaps ahead, even an old crt monitor would be better.
a b x TV
April 26, 2014 10:07:29 PM

if you can get a cable from VGA to a video input on the T.V., it'll work.
April 26, 2014 10:05:16 PM

how come its easy say to get the tv to connect to a vhs and then a console via rgb but it would require more parts for vga? Wouldnt it just be vga to svideo, svideo/rgb/coaxial converter box and then coxial cable and that's it?
a b x TV
April 26, 2014 8:55:41 PM

You can, but not for cheaper then just getting a monitor

You can get a VGA to rca (or svideo) adapter, then get an RF modulator, plus all the cables and you are looking at over $100 in parts vs whatever led monitor is on special for $90.

Plus i would make no guarantees on how decent it would work.
a b x TV
April 26, 2014 8:54:40 PM

could you link up a photo of the back of the T.V.? just so i can workout the inputs available.

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