I have an old TV, from before the digital change. I can still watch it though because I have cable. I had to make a choice: cable or computer. Computer won. I have a large collection of VHS and DVDs. Can I still watch them on this TV? I tried using the convertor box, but couldn't get it to work.
By joan pecsek from South Norfolk , VA
I don't see why VHS tapes and DVDs would not work on this TV since they were made to work on old TVs. You do need the appropriate players. My DVD/VHS player/recorder works exactly the same on my new digital TV as it did on the old TV that I had since the 80's. You want to hook the player directly up to the TV, though. It should not be hooked up to any convertor boxes as you do not want anything converted.
The answer is a definate,"yes," Look on the back of your player. Is it a combined DVD VHS? If so, just look for the cable out terminal. Attatch a coaxil cable to it and attatch to your TV on the cable in place. If they are separate DVD player and VCR Put the cable out from one and in to the other where it says cable (or antenna in) The out to the TV.
The following will work on most TVs and devices (DVD, VCR) that come with a remote control:
*Unplug everything from the power point at the wall.
*Disconnect everything between TV, all devices, AND from the cable company line entering your home from the wall.
**At this point you should have the cable company's line dangling from the wall, and all the connection cables dangling from your devices. The only thing dangling from the telly should be the power cord.
*Connect ONLY the one device you want to use to the TV at the proper connection point (some connections are colour coded, others have wording like 'video input' or 'AUX', and other connections are 'S-Cart' or 'Scart').
*Reconnect TV and the one device to power point at wall.
*Turn on TV and device.
*Check to see if you need to reset the TV to DVD or VCR by going into the menu feature on your TV (usually on the remote as 'MENU' or 'AV' or 'VCR' or 'AUX'. VCR will work for the DVD player device as well as for the VCR. Usually).
*Use the DVD or VCR remote to make sure it's set properly as well.
*Enjoy the programme:)
**Bonus tip: if your device AND your TV both have an S-Cart port, take a mobile phone snap of the port on the devices and the telly for in-store reference, then go to the big-box store and invest in an S-Cart cable that matches the ports on your devices and TV. Sooooooo simple to use because it's one quick connect from device to telly, and gives the best picture and sound quality.
You can splash out and spend a bit extra for the 'gold' cable, it does bump up the pic and sound quality a bit more. That's helpful with older VHS. The gold will also do nice things for DVDs.
You will likely need something called an RF Modulator. They can be found at Wal-Mart or Family Dollar for sure, although I'm not sure of prices at each place. In the neighborhood of $8- $15. You will also need a red, white, and yellow audio/ video cable. (one might have come with your dvd player) I'm guessing another $8 there. Available at either store mentioned. For just hooking up the vcr these aren't neessary, but they are to hook up both on the same t.v. if it is older.
