Old black and white TV and digibox connections
endymion
ready. I read in a magazine that any TV , even a fifty year old b/w one can
be connected to a cheap digibox and made to receive digital even if it
doesnt have a scart socket.
How do you do this? I have an old Sony b/w portable TV from circa 1974 . It
still works ( or would if we had an analogue signal) . I also have a digibox
here ( Tesco's own about two years old) . How do I connect it up? I cant
see anywhere to put any leads in , even if I had leads. There is no scart
connector on the TV . In fact all there is as far as I can see is an Aerial
socket to put an external aerial on the TV.
Can someone tell me if I can convert it or if the article was wrong?
Thanks.
Ron Lowe
In this case, it can only be made to work if you find a digibox that has
a built-in RF output ( modulator ).
This will put the digital channels on an RF channel, which the ageing
hulk can tune into.
Only a small number do, others can advise which models.
Though why you might want to is another matter.
( notwithstanding vintage enthusiasts, like we saw a while back with
some chap using a digibox hooked up to a standards converter to view it
on an old 405 line box... Perhaps we need a standards-convertor to view
1080p content on a Baird system spinning wheel thingy... )
--
Ron
endymion
"Ron Lowe" <d...@null.com> wrote in message
news:h71hig$5pc$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
>
> In this case, it can only be made to work if you find a digibox that has a
> built-in RF output ( modulator ).
>
> This will put the digital channels on an RF channel, which the ageing hulk
> can tune into.
>
> Only a small number do, others can advise which models.
>
> Though why you might want to is another matter.
>
> ( notwithstanding vintage enthusiasts, like we saw a while back with some
> chap using a digibox hooked up to a standards converter to view it on an
> old 405 line box... Perhaps we need a standards-convertor to view 1080p
> content on a Baird system spinning wheel thingy... )
Well the reason I asked is because the magazine article was more or less
telling you ( me) that to buy a new TV was wasteful and not very eco
friendly and that one should always try and convert the old set rather than
throw it away if it still worked.
I know the old b/w still works because I had it on just a few days ago
before they switched the signals off. I thought it might be worth putting a
digibox on it since the article said you should.
But what they didnt say , if I read you correctly, is that I need a special
digi box?
If I got such a box, how would that connect to the TV? Through the aerial
connection only?
There is absolutely no other place to plug anything into. It would be some
sort of wire with a aerial type connector on it?
endymion
"endymion" <gardenof...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:k6WdnSkREclhzQnX...@bt.com...
>
> "Ron Lowe" <d...@null.com> wrote in message
> news:h71hig$5pc$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
>
>>
>> In this case, it can only be made to work if you find a digibox that has
>> a built-in RF output ( modulator ).
>>
>> This will put the digital channels on an RF channel, which the ageing
>> hulk can tune into.
On the digibox I have an " ant in" and a " TV out" pair of sockets aside
of the scart.
Are those any use? Whats an RF channel? I still only have an aerial
socket on the TV - so only one way in to the TV.
How could it be wired up if I got the right digibox?
Peter Duncanson
>endymion wrote:
>> I am sorry , its me again. Totally unrelated to my new TV question and
>> HD ready. I read in a magazine that any TV , even a fifty year old b/w
>> one can be connected to a cheap digibox and made to receive digital
>> even if it doesnt have a scart socket.
>>
>> How do you do this? I have an old Sony b/w portable TV from circa 1974
>> . It still works ( or would if we had an analogue signal) . I also have
>> a digibox here ( Tesco's own about two years old) . How do I connect
>> it up? I cant see anywhere to put any leads in , even if I had leads.
>> There is no scart connector on the TV . In fact all there is as far as I
>> can see is an Aerial socket to put an external aerial on the TV.
>>
>> Can someone tell me if I can convert it or if the article was wrong?
>> Thanks.
>
>
>In this case, it can only be made to work if you find a digibox that has
>a built-in RF output ( modulator ).
>
Or by using an additional box between the digibox to convert from SCART
to RF: an RF Modulator. The snag with this is that the extra box costs
money.
There is one here:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?TabID=1&criteria=usb&ModuleNo=33050&C=SO&U=Strat15
Here's a cheaper one:
http://www.telly-leads.co.uk/rf-modulator.htm
I used an RF modulator for a time to connect a Freeview box, DVD player
and VCR to a small portable TV.
>This will put the digital channels on an RF channel, which the ageing
>hulk can tune into.
>
>Only a small number do, others can advise which models.
>
>Though why you might want to is another matter.
>
>( notwithstanding vintage enthusiasts, like we saw a while back with
>some chap using a digibox hooked up to a standards converter to view it
>on an old 405 line box... Perhaps we need a standards-convertor to view
>1080p content on a Baird system spinning wheel thingy... )
--
Peter Duncanson
(in uk.tech.digital-tv)
Owain
> > In this case, it can only be made to work if you find a digibox that has a
> > built-in RF output ( modulator ).
> > This will put the digital channels on an RF channel, which the ageing hulk
> > can tune into.
> > Only a small number do, others can advise which models.
> digi box?
You need one of a few digiboxes that has an RF output (not just an RF
through connection,)
TVonics MFR-200 Black Digital Set Top Box. 532/1375 is one that Argos
do. £38.99 so not terribly expensive. The old On-Digital boxes also
had RF output if you can pick one of them up s/hand.
> If I got such a box, how would that connect to the TV? Through the aerial
> connection only?
Yes.
> There is absolutely no other place to plug anything into. It would be some
> sort of wire with a aerial type connector on it?
Yes.
Owain
Roger R
>> I am sorry , its me again. Totally unrelated to my new TV question and HD
>> ready. I read in a magazine that any TV , even a fifty year old b/w one
>> can be connected to a cheap digibox and made to receive digital even if
>> it doesnt have a scart socket.
>>
>> How do you do this? I have an old Sony b/w portable TV from circa 1974 .
>> It still works ( or would if we had an analogue signal) . I also have a
>> digibox here ( Tesco's own about two years old) . How do I connect it
>> up? I cant see anywhere to put any leads in , even if I had leads. There
>> is no scart connector on the TV . In fact all there is as far as I can
>> see is an Aerial socket to put an external aerial on the TV.
>>
>> Can someone tell me if I can convert it or if the article was wrong?
>> Thanks.
>
>
> In this case, it can only be made to work if you find a digibox that has a
> built-in RF output ( modulator ).
>
> This will put the digital channels on an RF channel, which the ageing hulk
> can tune into.
>
> Only a small number do, others can advise which models.
Another way to do it...
What you need is one of these:
http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?moduleno=33050
or the same thing from from the B&Q:
http://tinyurl.com/koo9n7
An SLX brand modulator box, but at 29.99 from Maplin or 37.48 from the B&Q
you might think twice.
(B&Q have recently had them on reduced price summer clearance)
Using a scart lead, link the scart connector on the set top box to the one
on the unit, and use an aerial lead to connect the aerial socket on the back
to the aerial input on the set.
You then tune the TV into the signal coming out the box, and you'r there.
+ then you have to do a scan channels on the set top box to tune that in.
Aerial and scart leads are in B&Q or Homebase, but all adds to the cost.
Roger R
Owain
> >> In this case, it can only be made to work if you find a digibox that has
> >> a built-in RF output ( modulator ).
> of the scart.
> Are those any use?
Depends. Most digiboxes just pass through the analogue signals to the
telly, they don't convert the digital signals to RF
> Whats an RF channel?
The same sort of signal that comes down the aerial
> I still only have an aerial
> socket on the TV - so only one way in to the TV.
> How could it be wired up if I got the right digibox?
<Aerial>--------------<Digibox aerial in>
<Digibox TV out>-----------<TV
aerial socket>
Owain
endymion
"Owain" <spuorg...@gowanhill.com> wrote in message
news:6b2646d7-bbaf-4baa...@d4g2000yqa.googlegroups.com...
You need one of a few digiboxes that has an RF output (not just an RF
through connection,)
TVonics MFR-200 Black Digital Set Top Box. 532/1375 is one that Argos
do. �38.99 so not terribly expensive. The old On-Digital boxes also
had RF output if you can pick one of them up s/hand.
I see what you mean, but it makes a nonsense of the article which said it
could be done with a digibox and that it would cost about �15 .
I have looked on the internet as well at those links people have kindly
given here, and it seems the equipment needed is at least twice that cost.
I also found the official information site and put in details. It too came
up with a �38 box to convert an old TV via the "RF" modulator.
I am not sure that is worth it. is it?
Roger R
> I am not sure that is worth it. is it?
Only you can answer that, but don't forget there will be untidy boxes and
cables to put up with too.
Roger R
Mike
wrote:
I realise it may not be a perfect solutions and somewhat messy under
the TV, but how about an old VCR? Scart from the freeview box into the
VCR and Coax out to the TV. That should work OK.
Owain
> I also found the official information site and put in details. It too came
> up with a £38 box to convert an old TV via the "RF" modulator.
> I am not sure that is worth it. is it?
Possibly not when smallish CRT tellies with SCART sockets are cheap as
chips second hand. But if you specially like your old telly (or you've
built the furniture round it ...) it might be for you.
Owain
Paulg0
>
> But what they didnt say , if I read you correctly, is that I need a
> special digi box?
>
> If I got such a box, how would that connect to the TV? Through the aerial
> connection only?
> There is absolutely no other place to plug anything into. It would be some
> sort of wire with a aerial type connector on it?
You need one like this one at .... http://tinyurl.com/m4k7e8 (
http://www.amazon.co.uk/FV400-Digital-Freeview-receiever-Mod
ulator/dp/B002KHVB68/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=12
51239221&sr=1-1 )
Paul
Phil Cook
>
>"endymion" <gardenof...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
>news:k6WdnSkREclhzQnX...@bt.com...
>>
>> "Ron Lowe" <d...@null.com> wrote in message
>> news:h71hig$5pc$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
>>
>>>
>>> In this case, it can only be made to work if you find a digibox that has
>>> a built-in RF output ( modulator ).
>>>
>>> This will put the digital channels on an RF channel, which the ageing
>>> hulk can tune into.
>
>On the digibox I have an " ant in" and a " TV out" pair of sockets aside
>of the scart.
>Are those any use?
It depends [TM]
Most (all?) digital boxes have "loop through" where they will pass
the RF signal from the "ant in" (from antenna, this is American usage,
in the UK we call it an aerial) through to the TV so that you could
use the TV's own tuner.
> Whats an RF channel?
RF is radio frequency, this describes that part of the electromagnetic
spectrum used in TV and radio transmission. TV signals are transmitted
on certain frequencies and these are called RF channels. Analogue
television uses one channel per service. The output of some digital
boxes can be transmitted down the lead connected to the "TV out"
socket.
> I still only have an aerial
>socket on the TV - so only one way in to the TV.
>How could it be wired up if I got the right digibox?
Plug in the lead and tune the TV to the output. You may need to select
a non clashing channel from the digital box's menu.
--
Phil Cook looking north over the park to the "Westminster Gasworks"
Brian Gaff
Brian
--
Brian Gaff....Note, this account does not accept Bcc: email.
graphics are great, but the blind can't hear them
Email: bri...@blueyonder.co.uk
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"endymion" <gardenof...@btinternet.com> wrote in message
news:0s-dnUgv-_Zd2wnX...@bt.com...
John Legon
>I realise it may not be a perfect solutions and somewhat messy under
>the TV, but how about an old VCR? Scart from the freeview box into the
>VCR and Coax out to the TV. That should work OK.
It won't be a messy solution if the OP already has a VCR and still uses
it to play tapes! I feed an old but very good 27" CRT TV from a VCR,
with one aux input connected to a satellite receiver and the other aux
input to a DVD player. Hence the VCR works as a scart switcher as well
as an RF modulator and video-tape player/recorder.
Paul D.Smith
> If I got such a box, how would that connect to the TV? Through the aerial
> connection only?
> There is absolutely no other place to plug anything into. It would be some
> sort of wire with a aerial type connector on it?
Can I just check, you have a loop (or telescopic?) aerial effectively
hard-wired into the TV, with not even a small "plug" somewhere on the back?
Often the portable aerial ended in a small plug which you could remove to
reveal a bog-standard TV aerial socket, into which you plug your
modulator/freeview box.
If you DON'T have such a socket, then you will need to effectively unwire
the aerial and attach the modulator/freeview box through the cable, possible
via a balum to match the impedence (cue old-timers/experienced installed
like Bill Wright to comment as I'm sure they've seen this all before!).
Paul DS.
Graham.
My reading of the OPs remarks is he knows full well where his
aerial plugs in and (quote) "There is absolutely no *other* place to plug
anything into"
(my emphasis).
I think I saw some Freeview boxes in Tesco with modulators recently,
Not cheap, around 30 pounds IIRC.
--
Graham.
%Profound_observation%
Anth
> On 25 Aug, 22:00, "endymion" wrote:
>>> In this case, it can only be made to work if you find a digibox
>>> that has a built-in RF output ( modulator ).
>>> This will put the digital channels on an RF channel, which the
>>> ageing hulk can tune into.
>>> Only a small number do, others can advise which models.
>> But what they didnt say , if I read you correctly, is that I need a
>> special digi box?
>
> You need one of a few digiboxes that has an RF output (not just an RF
> through connection,)
>
> TVonics MFR-200 Black Digital Set Top Box. 532/1375 is one that Argos
> do. �38.99 so not terribly expensive. The old On-Digital boxes also
> had RF output if you can pick one of them up s/hand.
It would appear that the OP is asking simply because he 'already' owns a
cheap Tesco digibox and an old b/w TV, however I suspect that it's highly
unlikely that he would wish to spend around �40.00 on converting a 1974 14"
black and white television to digital when he can pick up a 15" flat screen
colour TV with built-in Freeview for under a �100.
Owain
> It would appear that the OP is asking simply because he 'already' owns a
> cheap Tesco digibox and an old b/w TV, however I suspect that it's highly
> unlikely that he would wish to spend around £40.00 on converting a 1974 14"
> black and white television to digital when he can pick up a 15" flat screen
> colour TV with built-in Freeview for under a £100.
But you do save about £60 a year on a b/w TV licence
Owain
Dr Zoidberg
Some digiboxes will output a signal via the aerial lead so can be used with
any TV.
The technical term you are looking for is one with an RF modulator.
--
Alex
"I laugh in the face of danger , then I hide until it goes away"
Anth
Assuming of course that he doesn't have as his main TV a large screen colour
TV.
Max Demian
message news:h734tb$jrc$1...@news.eternal-september.org...
Unfortunately it's hard to tell whether a particular STB has such a beast...
--
Max Demian
J G Miller
> Can someone tell me if I can convert it or if the article was wrong?
Purchase a TVonics MFR-200 or MFR-300
<http://www.tvonics.COM/digital-set-top-boxes/mfr-200.html>
<http://www.tvonics.COM/digital-set-top-boxes/mfr-300.html>
Connect your TV antenna coxial downlead to the antenna input of the digital
coverter box, and then connect the RF coaxial output of the digital
converter box to the antenna input socket of your Sony portable TV.
Tune the Sony portable TV to the output channel of the digital converter
box (see instruction details for which UHF output channel is used),
and then use the remote control of the digital converter box to
change channels to the desired terrestrial DTV station.
Note that your picture will only be monochrome and the sound monophonic.
However, if you connect the audio output of the digital converter box
to a pair of powered speakers (or your stereo amplifier with speakers),
you will be able to enjoy the stereophonic soundtrack of the digital
TV stations.
Tony
This is by and large the cheapest solution. Nearly all VCRs have RF
modulators that can be driven from the scart input. If you don't have
one in a cupboard, check down the local dump/recycling centre/ TVs for
free exchange program.. or even get a free TV with a Scart.
BTW STBs are not very eco either. Computers tyically take as much energy
as a car to make, a STB is maybe 1/4 of a computer. Then it sits
plugged in all the time.
For cars I think they generate alot of CO2 in use, and the ratio is
about 50:50 for the build cost against in-use cost to the environment,
hence older cars tend to the greener choice unless they are faulty, or
the newer car is alot more efficient (most aren't).
With electronics newer equipment is significantly more efficient and so
maybe worth buying new on a green policy. New large LCDs use about 75w
and that is going down, my <1 year old 40" Sony is 175W, but does have a
low power standby. My old CRT was about 300w.
--
Tony
Java Jive
If web design is anything to go by, they'll ignore the basics and
concentrate on a 'slick' finish that adds nothing to functionality,
and quite possible significantly reduces it.
You just wouldn't believe the number of websites that don't get right
simple, basic things like setting colours:
http://www.macfh.co.uk/Test/ColourSchemesBugs.html
On Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:13:00 +0100,
Spa...@pembers.freeserve.co.uk.invalid (Alan Pemberton) wrote:
>
> I once got a stiff telling off at work for producing some prettily
> coloured charts that were indecipherable to one memeber of staff who was
> colour blind and I've always checked for B&W readability since. I don't
> suppose stb designers bother.
======================================
Please always reply to news group as the email address in
this post's header does not exist. Alternatively, use one of the
contact addresses at:
http://www.macfh.co.uk/JavaJive/JavaJive.html
http://www.macfh.co.uk/Macfarlane/Macfarlane.html
Paul Ratcliffe
<Spa...@pembers.freeserve.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
> One thing to be aware of is that stb menus are designed for viewing on a
> large screen RGB/HDMI telly. On a portable PAL telly with rf input, the
> text can be unreadable and the colours indeterminate. Of course in B&W
> you won't see any of the colours, so the colour-coded features of the
> menus will be meaningless.
>
> I once got a stiff telling off at work for producing some prettily
> coloured charts that were indecipherable to one memeber of staff who was
> colour blind and I've always checked for B&W readability since. I don't
> suppose stb designers bother.
The DDA makes such things a requirement. I doubt the kids in the back
streets in China who make this junk give a shit though. Everyone else
has to spend inordinate amounts of time and money jumping through all
sorts of hoops. No wonder we can't make anything competitively any more.
Peter Duncanson
I think that those who import to and sell such equipment in this country
are bound by the DDA.
Max Demian
news:slrnh9i73n...@news.pr.network...
> On Sat, 29 Aug 2009 12:13:00 +0100, Alan Pemberton
> <Spa...@pembers.freeserve.co.uk.invalid> wrote:
>
>> One thing to be aware of is that stb menus are designed for viewing on a
>> large screen RGB/HDMI telly. On a portable PAL telly with rf input, the
>> text can be unreadable and the colours indeterminate. Of course in B&W
>> you won't see any of the colours, so the colour-coded features of the
>> menus will be meaningless.
>>
>> I once got a stiff telling off at work for producing some prettily
>> coloured charts that were indecipherable to one memeber of staff who was
>> colour blind and I've always checked for B&W readability since. I don't
>> suppose stb designers bother.
>
> The DDA makes such things a requirement.
Is the DDA why they don't sell right-handed potato peelers any more (just
the weaker ambidextrous ones)?
--
Max Demian
Paul Ratcliffe
wrote:
>>> I once got a stiff telling off at work for producing some prettily
>>> coloured charts that were indecipherable to one memeber of staff who was
>>> colour blind and I've always checked for B&W readability since. I don't
>>> suppose stb designers bother.
>>
>>The DDA makes such things a requirement. I doubt the kids in the back
>>streets in China who make this junk give a shit though. Everyone else
>>has to spend inordinate amounts of time and money jumping through all
>>sorts of hoops. No wonder we can't make anything competitively any more.
>
> I think that those who import to and sell such equipment in this country
> are bound by the DDA.
I suspect they get round this by giving anyone who complains their money
back. It's a lot less hassle and cheaper than the alternative.
Mark Carver
>
> I once got a stiff telling off at work for producing some prettily
> coloured charts that were indecipherable to one memeber of staff who was
> colour blind and I've always checked for B&W readability since. I don't
> suppose stb designers bother.
Nor the muppets that designed the current BBC weather map, I saw it in b/w
recently, and it was totally incomprehensible.
BTW, I'm now so conditioned to seeing the UK at that stupid oblique angle the
Beeb insist on using on the weather, that when I do see a proper UK map, it
looks strange (for the first few seconds).
--
Mark
Please replace invalid and invalid with gmx and net to reply.
Bill Wright
"Mark Carver" <mark....@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:7furlbF...@mid.individual.net...
> Alan Pemberton wrote:
>>
>> I once got a stiff telling off at work for producing some prettily
>> coloured charts that were indecipherable to one memeber of staff who was
>> colour blind and I've always checked for B&W readability since. I don't
>> suppose stb designers bother.
>
> Nor the muppets that designed the current BBC weather map, I saw it in b/w
> recently, and it was totally incomprehensible.
>
> BTW, I'm now so conditioned to seeing the UK at that stupid oblique angle
> the Beeb insist on using on the weather, that when I do see a proper UK
> map, it looks strange (for the first few seconds).
Especially as your telly has a built-in spirit level.
Bill
Graham.
"Max Demian" <max_d...@bigfoot.com> wrote in message
news:7fsth3F...@mid.individual.net...
If you can have a Lancashire peeler why can't I get a Manchester greater?
--
Graham.
%Profound_observation%