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Video without RF Box
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Home / Hardware - Video without RF Box
Color Computers 1 and 2 output their video signal in a way that it could be displayed on a standard definition television on either NTSC channel 3 or channel 4, called RF (radio frequency). PAL versions were also available in the UK and Europe. The CoCo 3 also output RF, along with composite and its RGB connector. The ability to display on a standard television kept the cost down, but also means that the CoCo is limited to the resolution capable on standard definition television sets. In order to create these television signals, the video and audio signals are mixed with a base frequency in a process called modulation, which the TV tuner then demodulates to get back into the original signals to display. Any noise, such as a stray radio signal entering the cables, RF generator circuit, or tuner, may result in poor picture quality.
While NTSC is no longer commonly broadcast in the US (modern broadcasts use the digital ATSC format), most modern TVs in the US still come with a NTSC tuner capable of displaying the CoCos' signals, and remains a viable way to use your CoCo.
CoCos shipped with a switch box that allowed switching between the CoCo and an antenna. The switch boxes often allow in interference, making for a lower quality (fuzzy and noisy) picture. Instead of using a switch box, considering using an adapter without a switch to avoid the interference.
If you're using a standard RCA phono cable (typical as that is what came with the CoCo), obtain a "Phono RCA Female to F-Type Male Connector" such as this:
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Female RCA to Male F-Type Video adapter
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Video without RF box
Radio Shack offered this as Catalog Number 278-255 [1].
The adapter connects on the TV side and the RCA phono cable is used for the run.
However, many RCA phono cables are not well-shielded and may allow in interference. Consider using a standard television coax cable with a "Phono RCA Male to F-Type Female Connector" such as this:
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Male RCA to Female F-Type Video adapter
Radio Shack offered this as Catalog Number 278-252 [2]. During the CoCo's market life, this part was Archer-branded. Later, it was Radio Shack-branded.
The adapter connects on the CoCo side and a television cable is used for the run. Television coax cables (RG-58 or RG-6) are typically well-shielded unless damaged.