Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Gadgets - an RF modulator and some of the components needed to feed your computer a TV signal


Modulator WiFi DTV_0217
Originally uploaded by gtveloce
Here's a pic of an RF modulator sitting on a PC (middle, left). In fact I use the modulator to get an old TV to work with a set-top-box and DVD player. If - like on this TV - you don't even have a composite (or 'yellow video connector') input then you need an RF modulator to send the video signal from the modern output device to ye olde RF connector instead.

It's not ideal but with some mucking around it does work. You will have to tune the TV to the frequency of whatever you hook up and you may get a distorted picture. Alternatively, upgrade to a newer TV with at least a composite input.

Also in the pic is a set-top-box on a stick (middle right). Well it's an HD Digital TV tuner with USB connection. With that little device I can use the PC as a TV and Personal Video Recorder (PVR). With a new-fangled HDMI connection we can easily hook the PC to a TV, too, and use it as a monitor. Or (as I did) we can use older-style connections to pump the signal out to the TV. You may however have to use an adapter to bridge between PC 'D-shell' and yellow composite TV connectors.

Lastly, that's a WiFi USB 'dongle' right up the back.

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