Help: Atari 400 hook up to TV

[Paul Iliffe]

I'm new to the Atari world so please excuse me if my question is
downright ridiculous.
I've an Atari 400 that I would like to give to my young son. I've been
trying to work out how to connect it to a modern Sony TV but can't seem
to tune it in. I've hooked up to the A/V video input slot but cant find
the channel anywhere. Can anybody tell me what's wrong ?
Thanks in advance

[Jessica C]

Hi,
You need a r/f switch (also known as a tv/computer switch from the days
when it was needed to hook up a computer to a television set) which would
be available at radio shack for a couple of dollars. If it still has the
two screw in ports (like for an antenna) you may need an ohm converter
which will allow the prongs to screw in and go into your cable input jack.

As for the channel, make sure you have it set on 2 or 3 to pick up the
signal, you can change it by using the little black switch marked "channel
2-3" next to the on/off button. Let me know if you need more help (like
periphial sequence, etc if you intend to buy a diskdrive).

I feel that you made a good choice in giving the 400 to your son; if the
keyboard is unaltered (still membrane as opposed to having a "real"
keyboard), it is virtually kidproof. Using a joystick also improves the
fine motor skills in a child's hand (I am assuming you are giving him some
games as well) as well as hand-eye coordination.

Don't feel bad about not knowing, I was pretty dumb about certain things
when I first got my 800; I was a nintendo user in the 80's and had no idea
about the switch. Best of luck,

LykeWyse

[Russg]

don't have a 400. But maybe you're hooking a RF cable into A/V
input ports on the TV. If the 400 has monitor output port, that'd be
the one to hook to the A/V of the TV. If it is a RF cable, you'd hook
that to the antenna input, not the AV input.
Russg

[Bostone1]

Even though that Atari 400 fits your A/V input perfectly, that's not where it
goes. On newer TVs, it would have to connect with your cable TV input, which,
of course, uses a different connection. :)
For best picture and sound quality, use a simple adapter that they sell at
Radio Shack that allows you to connect directly to the cable TV input. It makes
it messy to change back and forth for regular TV viewing, but those switch
boxes can really degrade the picture and sound.

Bob Stone

[Paul Iliffe]

Just wanted to thank all you kind folks including those who went to the trouble of
sending me emails. My Atari 400 is now up and running. Certainly brings back
memories for me seeing those old games again. I bought the switchbox from Radio
Shack and it works as you all said. My son is very happy with his new toy.
All the best
Paul