In order to connect a DVD player to a TV that only has an antenna or cable connection, you need to convert the video signal from the DVD player to an RF signal that can be fed through an antenna or cable connection. This is done with the addition of an RF Modulator.
RF modulator (Radio Frequency Modulator) function is simple. The RF modulator converts the video (and/or audio) output of a DVD player (or camcorder ...
In order to connect a DVD player to a TV that only has an antenna or cable connection, you need to convert the video signal from the DVD player to an RF signal that can be fed through an antenna or cable connection. This is done with the addition of an RF Modulator.
RF modulator (Radio Frequency Modulator) function is simple. The RF modulator converts the video (and/or audio) output of a DVD player (or camcorder or video game) into a channel 3/4 signal that is compatible with a TV's cable or antenna input.
There are many RF modulators available, but all function in a similar fashion. The main feature of an RF modulator is that makes it perfectly suited for use with DVD is the capacity for it to accept the standard audio/video outputs of a DVD player and the cable input (even passed through a VCR) simultaneously.
Setting your RF modulator is fairly straightforward:
1) Just plug your cable/vcr output into its cable input connection of the RF modulator and the DVD player into the RF modulator's AV inputs.
2) Connect a standard cable from the RF modulator to your TV.
3) Select either the channel 3 or 4 output on the back of the RF modulator.
4) Turn the TV on and the RF modulator will automatically detect your cable input for the TV. When you want to watch your DVD player, just put the TV on channel 3 or 4, turn the DVD on and the RF modulator will automatically detect the DVD player and will display your movie.
Although there are minor differences in brands of RF modulators the set up is basically as outlined above.
Additional Considerations
If you don't have a stereo system you can also hookup the DVD player's stereo outputs to the RF modulator as well. Obviously you won't get the benefits of surround sound, but you will hear the audio through the TV's speakers. Also, you won't get the full benefits of a DVD quality picture and the conversion from video to RF (cable) downgrades the resolution. However, as you switch between your VCR and DVD you will notice the quality of the DVD image is still superior than anything you probably have viewed on your TV.
With more consumers buying DVD players and enjoying their benefits, full knowledge of connection options and limitations is important.
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Connecting your TV to DVD player, VCR and Cable:
I am going to assume the DVD player is not a combo unit with the VCR, and that you want to record TV on your VCR. Step 4 will include connecting your DVD player, but if the DVD player is a combo unit with the VCR, just ignore step 4 part as DVD connection will be included in the VCR set up.
1) Connect the coaxial cable coming out from the wall to your digital cable box in the ‘video in’ slot. It might also be labeled ‘antenna in’ or ‘cable in’.
2) From the cable box, connect a coaxial or composite (yellow video cable) and stereo (red-white) RCA audio cables to the VIDEO IN terminal on your VCR.
3) From the VCR, you will have to connect this to the RF Modulator using a coaxial cable from the VIDEO OUT on the VCR to one of the IN ports on your RF modulator.
4) You can now connect your DVD player to the RF Modulator by using the yellow-red-white composite/RCA cables from the VIDEO OUT on the DVD player to another port on the RF modulator.
5) From the RF modulator, connect this unit to your TV by using a coaxial cable. It will be from the VIDEO OUT on the RF modulator to the VIDEO IN or CABLE or ANTENNA IN port on your television.
This should be all you need to get started watching your digital television. In simple terms here is what you did:
Coaxial from wall to cable box
Cable box to VCR
VCR to RF modulator
DVD player to RF Modulator
RF modulator to TV
You will only be able to record what is on channel three because the digital cable will require you be on channel three. As for future connections to the RF modulator - just plug your viewing device into it and hit the button activating the video signal for the device you want to view. As long as it is connected to the television and the TV is on channel three, you should be able to see your video signal.
