Coax / AV to HDMI - Connect a Retro Console to HDMI: Atari 2600, TRS80, TI-99/4A & Coleco Vision

In this video, we will connect several retro game consoles and computers to a modern HDMI Monitor including: An Atari 2600, TI-99/4A, Coleco Vision and TRS-80 CoCo Model 2. Connecting retro computers to a modern TV/Monitor may not be easy if you haven't done it before, but hopefully after this video you'll be a pro! I tried many devices for replacing the VCR until I found one that worked with these machines, including units from Best Buy, Wal-Mart and others. I finally found one that was able to connect all of these machines to an AV output that would work with the AVtoHDMI upscaler and video capture card. Please see the links below.
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Items shown in this video
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* Most items shown in this video may be found here (arcadeshopper.com): tinyurl.com/y6j9ja63
* 4PCS F Type Male to RCA Female Connector: amzn.to/3ogVihC
* GANA 1080P Mini RCA Composite CVBS AV to HDMI Video Audio Converter Adapter (up scaler): amzn.to/3dLj7JL
* Analog NTSC Tuner RF Demodulator with RCA A/V Output: amzn.to/2HnfUUG
* HDML-Cloner Box Pro: amzn.to/2TgLFRW
* TI-99/4A NTSC AV Converter video cable: www.arcadeshopper.com/wp/stor...
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[@canman87]

THANK YOU. I was trying to find out what kind of devices were out there for a Coaxial -> AV conversion and I couldn't seem to find ANYTHING but AV -> Coaxial. I just purchased a toploader NES and didn't realize that the converter I bought was the wrong kind, so your video helped me get that sorted out. I just placed my order for one (noticed your review on Amazon there as well ;)), so hopefully that'll suit my needs. I've got a Framemeister upscaler that I'll be running it into (with a four-channel AV switcher for some other consoles), so I think I should be all set!

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Very welcome, happy this video was helpful to you! Yes, at the time I left my review no-one had reviewed it and I was so happy to "finally" find something that worked, I just had to rate it and leave a review. It makes converting/capturing video from retro machines so much easier and was well worth it.

[@canman87]

@@WagnersTechTalk Quick update: got the demodulator in today and it was as quick and simple to use as demonstrated here, so I'm pleased. I was up and running in less than five minutes. Thanks again for the informative video!

[@WagnersTechTalk]

@@canman87 Awesome, great to hear! Thank you for letting me know how it worked out for you.

[@lorensims4846]

Very nice! I'm looking at getting back my collection of Atari 8-bit computers, accessories, and media that my brother-in-law took when I moved to California thirty years ago. My sister says I can have them back when she's off from school at Spring Break. The Atari 800 and 1200XL have DIN-5 monitor output and I can make a cable for those, but the Atari 400 only has the RF RCA plug output, just like your Atari 2600. This has been a big help as I plan for the return of my beloved Ataris. Thanks!

[@WagnersTechTalk]

That's awesome! Happy to hear this video was helpful to you, let me know how it goes when you get them hooked up.

[@thomasturner3583]

In my heart. This is the all time retro lineup.

[@orchidplanter]

Just watched this video looking at how to hook up old consoles. Found a Coleco Telestar at an estate sale and was pleased to see it probably just takes a Type F cord and a VCR to play on a screen. I appreciate the video! Editing was smooth and easy to follow, and the narration was a good volume.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Great to hear it was helpful and you enjoyed the editing style, thank you for watching and commenting!

[@tharivol01]

Oh nice! I found this video when I searched for "how to build a TV/Game connector for new tv". That will be a lot easier instead of making my own! Thanks!

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

I can't wait to watch the TI 99 4A, thanks!

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

I was considering getting a vcr to watch old tapes, great, to know, about the adapters, too, thanks!

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

I still plan to get a vcr to watch tapes and play my ti 994a(future), thanks.

[@jackilynpyzocha662]

It is good to know about the other adapter, since I do not have the vcr, thanks!

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Happy to help!

[@MashTec]

Nice one Jon ;) i got one of these AVtoHDMI for my NES to still be able to connect this to my TV. Nice and clean explanation 👍🏻

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Thank you Sir! Thought I'd try a little bit of animation in this one 😃 Those AVtoHDMI devices are very handy, I was really happy to find the demodulator, I tried all kinds of devices from nearby stores and nothing could replace the VCR until I found this unit. Now I'm able to record from pretty much any video source.

[@MashTec]

@@WagnersTechTalk yea, you did well with the animations. Sometimes an animation can say more than 1000 words.

[@meikfriebe1911]

Nice inspiring video - ordered a demudolator and hope that this will work with our PAL and NTSC based old consoles and homecomputers. Greetings from Germany.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Thank you Meik! I don't have any PAL machines, but it worked fine for the NTSC machines I tested. I'd be curious to hear back from you about it once it arrives.

[@legendodinson7082]

Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for without modding my 2600.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Glad I could help

[@leeroyjenkins422]

Good stuff! Well made and informative video.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Much appreciated LeeRoy!

[@lwillis112010]

Omg thank you so much for this. I bought my husband an atari 2600 and he is losing his mind on how to hook it up to our tv

[@WagnersTechTalk]

You guys are so welcome, hope you get everything you need out of it!

[@basketballsteve54]

Very helpful, i can connect my Atari 2600 via the original RF cable with a type f coax adapter and get reasonably good picture on 2 of my 3 TVS but that third one😢 so i will try the box adapter on that one not too expensive!

[@Arthur-un8ms]

They should bring back the switch box. At least make a rare and unaffordable USB to Atari to switch box to another adapter. Then blow on the Atari cartridge for old times sake as if that did anything.

[@andrapederson939]

🤣yes!!!

[@UDoIt2]

COLECO Vision!!! OMG they were the days.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I missed out on the ColecoVision back in the day, happy to have the Adam + CV (found on goodwill). It's a fun machine!

[@davidsummers9250]

Great video, but do you need the cloner when using the modulator or are you just using it to capture video of gameplay?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Thank you David, no the cloner is exclusively for video capture. The modulator is totally separate and outputs A/V.

[@stephanfelix3409]

I have a Sony Bravia 55" smart tv. It does have a cable input at the back. It's not labeled UHF/VHF though. Would the RCA to F adapter work in this situation?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Hard to say for sure, the adapters are fairly cheap may be worth giving it a try. Can you connect a vcr to it on channel 3/4 and get a signal? If so, it will likely work.

[@rpgspree]

If you prefer unmodded options, I'd recommend reversing your setup. Put an adapter on the system to run a coax to the TV or converter for a much clearer picture. Standard RCA cables with an RF modulated signal pick up a lot of interference. Another option to cut out interference is using a shielded RCA cable. I find that coax cables are much cheaper and easier to find. Of course, if you have other systems with composite output. it might be worth it to get a shielded RCA cable anyway. Composite isn't as prone to interfere, but a shielded cable will help get a clearer picture without any system mods.

[@RC-dj8rp]

What setup do you suggest? What sort of adapter?

[@rpgspree]

@@RC-dj8rp Two options really. Sys: TV i.ebayimg.com/images/g/KSkAAOSw5wVdr~mP/s-l500.jpg This is what most youtubers recommend. It's fine, but I'd advise upgrading to a shielded RCA cable. It's more expensive, but on the upside it gives better quality for composite systems too.

[@jimmydemetriou9589]

Do you know where I can buy a Coax A/V Agile Demodulator Tuner with remote in the UK?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Hi Jimmy, I'm sorry I don't. I've only been to the UK once and that was only for a 2hr layover.

[@Boswd]

I just bought a rca moded atari 2600 could you run that straight to the hdmi upscaler or would it still need a vcr? Thanks

[@WagnersTechTalk]

You're going to need either a vcr or a demodulator. The atari 2600 has a channel selection and it needs a way to tune the channel.

[@stombelll]

Love the video, but how do I choose which channel to set my TV on when I connect the 2600 to the coax? When I select the "antennae" option, nothing comes up still except OTA channels. Am I missing a step?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

If the TV has a built in tuner, should be able to change the channel to 02/03. However, the TV will likely need to be fairly old to have a built-in tuner.

[@ArtecTheGreat]

I have a colecovision but I am missing the power adaptor is there any other power supply I can use?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

There are several available on ebay if you want to pick one up : www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2380057.m570.l1313&_nkw=colecovision+power+supply&_sacat=0

[@Jolt7800]

Very helpful.

[@homemoviesaustintx]

Do you think this set up would work? I thought about trying it but I feel like without channel selection it might not. But hear me out. Atari > RCA to F Coax adapter > Coax to BNC adapter > BNC to HDMI?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I've personally not tried the setup with a BNC connector so can't say with any certainty unless I've tried it. If you do, and it works, please let me know!

[@m0nde]

Very useful, thank you!

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Glad it was helpful!

[@justinturner1387]

do you know how much the controllers and power adapter are for the original atari 2600???

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Not endorsing any of this, as I've not used them. You can also try ebay. However, some options: Power supply for A2600: www.amazon.com/UpBright-Adapter-CX-2600-CX2600A-Computer/dp/B01K1P7HMC A2600 Joystick: www.amazon.com/Mcbazel-Classic-Controller-Joystick-Atari-2600/dp/B07J1PT5JQ

[@joeyjojojunior4886]

Not a fan of those cheap composite to HDMI upscaler’s. Have you looked at the Retrotink line of products?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Not until now :) Cool little units, do they happen to have one that can convert RF to HDMI? I took a quick look and it's primarily AV to HDMI. I've only been able to locate the one demodulator to replace the VCR, tried several from local stores until I found one that would work. I had almost given up hope in my search.

[@leerkeller]

What is the purpose of the DC -12v power out when the Demodulator?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Not sure, could be for some additional add-on product.

[@ezequielpartida5846]

Thanks a lot for the tips..

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Always welcome

[@Ocea8i53]

I am trying to connect my atari 7800 to a\v modulator to my TV but I get nothing from it. I have tried using a dvd player too but I'm getting nothing coming up on the tv screen. Any suggestions

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Are you using the one from this video or something else? I tried about 4 other devices before this one. I don't, however, own an Atari 7800 to test.

[@ahmedbencoussa3095]

Hi, does it work for the famicom? As the famicom is japnease and i eant to connect it to EU TV. Thanks

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I honestly don't know, I don't have any way of testing that unit.

[@andrewdupuis1151]

AV to HDMI seems be working but video mess up i brought TI-99/4A today i am using old video cable came with my c128 i use to have it died few years ago any idea

[@WagnersTechTalk]

describe how it's messing up please.

[@regisdumoulin]

This works for most 8 bit consoles and computers but not for the later generation such as Atari ST's and Amiga's. Those output an RGB signal out that cheap HDMI upscalers don't handle. So far the only thing I've been able to do was to buy a second hand LCD TV set with SCART inputs. This works well but I'm still looking for a good quality RGB to HDMI upscaler to connect to a truly modern TV or monitor

[@spoodlesmind345]

Hey by anychance do you know of a cheaper demodulator? I see a few things on amazon for around 30 bucks but I dont know 100% if they would work, would love to hear back!

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Using an old VCR would be the cheapest option, I've tried (and returned) several other devices from best buy, Wal-Mart, etc. Radio Shack used to sell one so maybe you can find something on ebay. Hope this helps!

[@spoodlesmind345]

@@WagnersTechTalk Hey so an update! I got everything you listed in the video but Im using an vcr, I can get it too hook up to a tv with the coax which is nice but I cannot get it to work via the vcr. Any help? The atari is set on channel 2 and so is the vcr.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

@@spoodlesmind345 What do you have going out the VCR, A/V to HDMI adapter? On my VCR, I believe I had it set it to channel 3 and connected the AV cables to the HDMI upscaler. That was pretty much it. Perhaps verify the VCR can play a video tape just fine to the TV.

[@spoodlesmind345]

@@WagnersTechTalk I figured it out after about an hour, my video cable on my av cables was faulty so I switched it out and It fixed. My next question is there anyway to get the REC 0:00:0 off the screen from the vcr? I cant find a way to get it off and its in the middle of the screen and makes it hard to play any fast paced games, I see yours dosnt have this issue so im just assuming its just the vcr I have.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

@@spoodlesmind345 That would be coming from the VCR itself, you'd have to check the owner's manual to see. But yeah, it's something VCR-specific. The demodulator I mentioned in this video doesn't overlay anything on the video signal and is my primary method of connecting retro consoles to my video capture device.

[@teresitaroman]

explanations awesome❤️

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@johneygd]

DAMN,if only i discovered the rf demodulator 17 years ago ,then i would,ve never decided to let moddifie my nes 2 toploader,now am regret about it since the rf modulator inside it was disabled.

[@brianyu7847]

Great Video! But when I try to find a VCR on eBay, I found that lots of them have that kind of smooth antenna input(without screws). So what exactly is the difference and how can I find one that works? Thanks ;)

[@WagnersTechTalk]

See 05:51 , you'll likely want to use the RCA to Type "F" adapter to connect to the coaxial input which will carry audio + video into the VCR. How to find one that works, hard to say. I personally only use 07:52 myself, takes up much less space in my studio.

[@brianyu7847]

@@WagnersTechTalk Thanks for replying ;D I’ve decided to mod my Atari to get the best graphics possible

[@Judah_Vic]

Can I use this to my Atari 2600 and snes without the hdmi cloner pro, so I can use it on my ASUS monitor as I don’t have a whole lot of input lag but the screen resolution is 900p it supports full hd as well it says?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

The cloner pro was used simply for the recording of the video.

[@Judah_Vic]

@@WagnersTechTalk this is great tutorial thank you for your help by the way, but can I use my composite to vga adapter instead of an to hdmi or the latency will not much difference? My vga adapter has resolution settings to set with while it’s connected to my monitor but haven’t used it for a year at least

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Very welcome, happy it was helpful to you! Your adapter may work fine, hard to be sure. I'd certainly give it a try. Only thing you may need is the F-Type connector for the A2600 to composite input.

[@tonyd6269]

Can you use a DVD player instead of a VCR?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

If it has a tuner that can tune to channels 2-4 probably will work.

[@vrchillgaming]

How is the latency? Is it bad enough to notice?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I personally didn't notice any latency.

[@Chaos89P]

So just a VCR or a direct coaxial hookup may not work depending on the TV's specs.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Depends on the TV, if you have AV/Coax inputs on the TV go for it. If not, you'd need an AV->HDMI Upscaler as well.

[@RKR2969]

Can I use that silver thing on my modern tv if it has an antenna port

[@WagnersTechTalk]

If it has a coaxial connector, yes.

[@RKR2969]

@@WagnersTechTalk and what does it mean by channel like the tv channels

[@WagnersTechTalk]

On retro consoles such as the ones shown, you'd typically have to tune in to channel 2-4 from a TV or VCR to see the image from the machine.

[@jamesaitken4070]

I’ve hooked up my Atari 600xl through a demodulator but I’m getting a very snowy signal. Any ideas how I can clear that up?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I've not tried it with A600xl. Have your tried another cable, I've had instances in the past where a difference cable helped.

[@jamesaitken4070]

@@WagnersTechTalk thanks I’m going to try running a shielded coax cable direct from the 600xl to the demodulator instead of the rca cable

[@quantosgames3289]

I was wondering if I could use a Nintendo RF Switch instead of the RF converter? I mean I tried it, and it doesn't work, but wanted to know if it's even possible before I trial and error it anymore?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I wish I had a good answer for you, but the NES isn't a machine I have available here to try. If you can get the signal to a coaxial output, then a VCR or the converter mentioned here should work.

[@quantosgames3289]

@@WagnersTechTalk after some trial and error I got something weird to happen. Having the coleco vision plugged into the cable port using the RF switch from the NES when it's on, then using the coaxial cable that came with the coleco vision and plugging it into the A (white) port on the TV, then unplugging the RF switch from the coleco, and plugging the coaxial that was in the white A port on the TV into the coleco caused..... Static... And then it'd stop being static when I turned off the coleco. And that's as far as I've gotten... So I know the coleco vision works at least, but I'll just buy the RC type F adapter and then I'll be able to see if it's truly the RF switch or the coleco. 🤷 hopefully any of that made sense, but to sum it up, through a weird roundabout way, I got static on the screen, but nothing more

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Try setting the TV to station 2-4, if it supports it with either device turned on.

[@quantosgames3289]

@@WagnersTechTalk so it was set to 3 (since the coleco only does 3&4, same as NES actually) so channel was good 👍

[@DJMovit]

Trying to get my Colecovision hooked up but so far no luck. I thought I had a analog demodulator but mine is a digital converter and it doesn't work. It definitely doesn't plug right onto the cable input on my wide screen ☹️

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I went through several devices (and returned them) before I found something that will work. Hope that what is in this video helps you out.

[@DJMovit]

@@WagnersTechTalk I'll let you know, thanks for posting it

[@jeffreyg8275]

I have a pac man plug in i have the mini hmdi thing this pacman plug in is from Walmart i have a modern tv and the hdmi cords and everything i dont know how to get it hooked up

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Please let me know the name of the unit that you have, I can't make out what type of connection you need from what was said (could be A/V, miniHDMI, etc. just can't tell without more info.) A model number some other identification of the unit would be helpful, there is typically a sticker on the bottom of the device.

[@luckasreal]

What was the other cable called that one plug into the short connector 6:54

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Not sure, I think you're asking about the A/V (or RCA) cable.

[@luckasreal]

@@WagnersTechTalkThank you for replying. I think it is the a/v. Where can I buy it?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

You may be able to pick them up locally (Wal-Mart, Target, etc.) or on Amazon here: amzn.to/42nyeSj

[@luckasreal]

@@WagnersTechTalk Thank you. And how did you go from one a/v to the three a/v?

[@josuecaleb5053]

I heard Wagner's TikTok. At the beginning.

[@lesterjeffries2467]

Could hook up the Colovision the same way you did the Atari?

[@WagnersTechTalk]

It is the same, you have a composite out from the coleco -> "F" type connector -> then plug into a VCR / Demodulator or a TV with a Coax input (up to you, I showed both here).

[@lesterjeffries2467]

@@WagnersTechTalk You did not use the VCR on the Atari.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I did, please see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYjSfGuPfqZsmaM

[@lesterjeffries2467]

I try that I get the title screen for the Colecovision but when I plug in the game all I get is static.

[@garrypeak4277]

I’d love to find a switch box so I could run all These old rf systems into the one box, and have one output to the reciever/tv. That’s how I run all of my hdmi based output things, into a switchbox and just switch inputs at the press of a button

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I don't have multiple machines setup to one video output but I recall seeing switch boxes like that years ago in Radio Shack. I would imagine there are options out there, worst-case on ebay.

[@amiraali2439]

Excuse me, sir How can I convert "rf" to "av "

[@WagnersTechTalk]

In this video I show two methods, using a VCR and using the Demodulator. Those two devices will allow converting RF to AV, then I show AV to HDMI as well. Hope this answers your question!

[@ronpalmer1371]

I have three VCR’s here and none of them have an RCA F type socket, just Scart sockets and aerial and RF sockets, two of the VCR’s are good quality and the other a cheap one, I can’t remember ever seeing an RCA F socket on any VCR or TV here in the UK, either we don’t use them here or I’m just unlucky 🤷‍♂️

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Not sure if UK VCR's use the F type of adapters. What I show in this video may not apply to UK viewers.

[@ronpalmer1371]

@@WagnersTechTalk Thank you very much for your reply, If that’s the case do you think I could use the RF or Aerial socket instead of the RCA F socket ? It may be a different type of socket but surely does the same thing, what do you think ? Again, many thanks, Ron

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Hi Ron, I'm honestly not familiar enough with Scart sockets to be able to answer your questions. I wish I could be more helpful, but I don't want to tell you wrong.

[@ronpalmer1371]

@@WagnersTechTalk Thanks again for replying, I appreciate your not familiar with the UK plugs, but you do have knowledge where as I know nothing technical, If you’ll please be patient with me I’ll try to explain what I am saying, In the same way the US has 2 pin on their electrical plugs and UK has 3 pin plugs, both fo the same thing, so I’m thinking that in the US the TV aerial connects the TV using an RCA F where as in UK all aerials connect with a plug that looks very very similar to an RCA plug ( don’t know proper name of plug) so although different types they both do the same job, I have the same upscaler as the one I video so I’m going to try it,

[@WagnersTechTalk]

Great, let me know how that works out for you!

[@zenrage0]

I bought the same RF Demodulator (B01KC03BQ2) you bought, but it isn't reporting any signal from both my coleco nor my atari jr. Is there some magic to make this work? I've tried multiple cables. I'm doubtful both units have died.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I tried it with both systems (A2600 + Coleco), set the box to CH 3 or 4 and AV to the HDMI upscaler and it worked great. Only things I can think of are 1) Channel selection may not be correct 2) Incorrect AV cable connections (yellow for video, Bllack/Red for audio) 3) Hardware issue with either the upscaler or the RF Demodulator. 3) Agree, unlikely that both devices are faulty but a possibility. If you have another AV device you can upscale to HDMI, see if that piece works. Any other RF device you can try, old VCR, etc. to see if the problem is with the demodulator?

[@zenrage0]

@@WagnersTechTalk I had a store confirm the atari and coleco both work, and then I went home and tested the connection only to realize I didn't use the "MMI IN" port! It is working for the Atari and the Coleco!

[@WagnersTechTalk]

@@zenrage0 Awesome, glad you got the Atari working with it! The Coleco should work for you also.

[@SaraMarie41]

Hey... the 8-Bit Guy often has something like that

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I love to watch the 8-bit guy (another of my favorite channels), did he have the AV2HDMI or the Demodulator? I don't recall seeing any videos on it, but maybe I missed it.

[@eightiescalled311]

Help I can’t get my atari 2600 to work

[@WagnersTechTalk]

I'll need a bit more to go on than that. How do you have it connected?

[@TheSocialGamer]

wow that is the most crap scaler you can use... lmao Sorry, I guess it can work, but the quality is questionable at best.

[@WagnersTechTalk]

May be cheap, but works better than some I've paid ~70-$100 for 😎

[@samonejones1687]

do you have an email address? I have a question and I want to show you some pictures I need help with my tele-game console