11 replies to this topic

[metzger130]

It's been a while since I've used a VCR to hook up anything to a TV, so I'm asking how all of you do it. I hooked the rf into the VCR and then I ran RCA cables to the TV using the video and audio output on the vcr. I turned the vcr on and the TV picture went blue and said "vcr." However, when I turned my 5200 on no picture showed up. Am I forgetting something that I need to do with the VCR to make sure it uses those outputs even though it seems like it is since the screen goes blue?

Thanks,

[Rybags]

You have to tune a channel on the VCR to whatever the console outputs, exact same deal as if you wanted to add an Analog TV station.

[AtariBrian]

i did this before and didnt notice a differnce in the quality of the picture

[metzger130]

I'm trying to do it more because I have a 5200,7800,2600,genesis, all use the RF and it woudl just be easier to use the vcr and hook it up close to me then to move the TV everytime I need to hook it up. It's a plasma and I don't want to rotate it constantly to put a new system in.

[Rex Dart]

Why not use extension cords?

[metzger130]

Extension cords? Maybe I'm not clear, I want to hook up the RF to the vcr instead of constatnly unhooking and hooking up the systems to the back of the TV, easier to get to. Power wise I am fine, you have seen the length on the power cords for the systems haven't you? Especially the 5200, I think I could hook it up power wise in another room!

[phaxda]

If your plasma has coax, I would recommend running a length of coaxial to a switchbox that's in an accessible place. This way the consoles go direct through coax and you don't have to worry about digging around behind the TV or VCR voodoo. You can just hit the switch on the switchbox for the console you want to play.

This assumes that you're not using an antenna hooked up to the coax for over-the-air broadcasts. That would complicate matters.

I have used a VCR in the past, but it can be a pain. My problem was that I would always forget what was hooked up to what!

[Rex Dart]

metzger130, on Sun Jan 22, 2012 3:04 PM, said:

Extension cords? Maybe I'm not clear, I want to hook up the RF to the vcr instead of constatnly unhooking and hooking up the systems to the back of the TV, easier to get to. Power wise I am fine, you have seen the length on the power cords for the systems haven't you? Especially the 5200, I think I could hook it up power wise in another room!

Just plug the a/v extension cord(s) to the back of the TV and you won't have to reach back there to connect things.

[Official Ninja]

Tune the vcr to channel 3

[Cafeman]

Official Ninja, on Mon Jan 23, 2012 7:35 AM, said:

Tune the vcr to channel 3

This is probably your only issue. I also hook up my RF systems to a VCR which is plugged into my Panasonic Plasma via composite cables. When I hooked up directly to the Plasma's RF, the picture and sound was TERRIBLE. This way, its rock solid and easier to hook up / change systems than getting behind the TV.

[metzger130]

That is exactly what I had to do was put the vcr to channel 3 and it worked. I did notice that there were spots where things weren't but looked like they were and random black stripes when hooked to the plasmas RF. When I hooked it through the VCR, all the artifacts or whatever you want to call them are gone and it looks like it is on a CRT TV, so it definitely helps putting it through the VCR. Sound isn't much different either way, but I am running it through a 5.1 yamaha surround system, so that is something fun to say that I am doing, playing atari in surround sound. lol

[Cafeman]

Yes, for some reason the VCR trick really worked wonders for my Atari-on-HDTV experience too. I play it in Onkyo 6.1 surround sound ! Well, mono across all speakers. Nice to get the bass (sub-woofer) sound