Scart to RF-out?

Gwynston

I currently have the RF-2-out from our Sky+ in the lounge connected to a 2nd TV in the kitchen (coax cable through wall). I'm wondering if I can also watch DVDs via this connection too?

Our lounge DVD player doesn't have an RF-out, so I'd like to connect the composite output to the VCR scart on the digibox. I know the digibox loops that scart input through to the TV scart output, but can it also be made to output a modulated signal on its RF-out?

If not, I guess my only solution is a separate modulator box, or else run some very long RCA cables from the DVD player through the wall?

emaherx

you need to either use a seperate modulator or connect the DVD to the Video player using scart or the rca connetors (if you have free input on the video) turn to the av channel on the video which has the DVD connected and tune in the video on the second tv

Gwynston

Forgot to say - we don't have a VCR in the lounge!
But yes, that's exactly what I want to do on the digibox: select that the RF-out carries the picture from the Scart input.

I guess this isn't possible - the digibox will only output on RF the satellite-tuned channels?

dkane

ya need an rf modulator

http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=33050&criteria=rf%20modulator&doy=9m5

Gwynston

Seems a shame there's a perfectly good RF modulator in my digibox that I can't use for the purpose!

I could move the VCR into the lounge I suppose. Currently, it's in the kitchen where we have an old didgibox with a UK-freeview card. So I use the VCR to record ITV/C4 etc on that, and Sky+ in the lounge to record anything else.

I have a coax cable running from the kitchen freeview box into the lounge, so I could connect the VCR on that in the lounge and still be able to record ITV/C4 and also use it's modulator output for the DVD player and run it back into the kitchen.

:eek: My head hurts... :eek:

Also need to convince the missus that having even MORE spaghetti cabling all over the place is worthwhile! :rolleyes:

watty

The modulator in Digibox is also by definition MONO FM audio and AM video.

A pair of 60 Euro to 120 Euro videosenders from Maplin, Argos etc will give superior video (uses FM Video) and stereo sound (dual FM carriers which is better than FM Radio which uses FM Mono and L-R subcarrier). Wireless and feeds back the DVD / VHS/Sky etc remote.

Connect it in parallel with Sky TV SCART for DVD & Sky or just on DVD SCART out.

Gwynston

Thanks for the info Watty, but we don't plan on watching a lot of DVDs in the kitchen, so quality is not that big a deal (If so, I'd run a minimum-wired Scart through the wall, or RCA cables carrying composite video plus stereo audio)

In fact, its so that our 2-year-old can watch his Barney DVDs in the kitchen rather than carrying his dinner into the lounge!

So either I'll move the VCR into the lounge and use it's modulator, or go for the cheapy 30-quid Maplins modulator (which go for half that on eBay).

Just wanted to know if I could utilise the digibox's RF out, but clearly I can't.

I suppose a videosender would also improve our Sky+ viewing in the kitchen (currently just using the RF feed), so I might still consider that.

byte

Hmm, if you do opt for a modulator, avoid SLX branded ones, as picture quality is abysmal.

It must be said, that for around the same price as a modulator, you'd get a video sender.

watty

Most modulators sold standalone are rubbish. Though a 17 Euro PS2 one was fine, not tuneable though. Need to be able to add a plug top PSU and connector to use it with out PS2.

Ulsterman 1690

Would it not be a lot less hasstle to just buy one of those cheapo (£25- £30 or whatever that is in Euros) DVD players from Tesco/Argos etc for the kitchen

Use the RF2 for watching TV and the DVD for Barney

The modulator in Digibox is also by definition MONO FM audio and AM video

Hardly much of an issue on a Kitchen telly (especially when its for the benefit of a 2 yo) ???

Gwynston

Yes, good point Ulsterman - that crossed my mind too. Especially considering that our current DVD player is quite old now, but it was a good one at the time and is a home cinema system, so drives all the 5.1 speakers. But it doesn't play recordable media at all, just standard DVDs, so a new cheapy player would come in handy for "home made" discs too.

One point about videosenders - will it provide the same functionality as my current Magic Eye that lets me use a 2nd Sky remote in the kitchen via RF2?

byte

Yes, videosenders come with eyes. You'll be able to change both Sky and the DVD functions from the Kitchen.

But, I think Ulsterman's idea is probably best. Just get a cheapo DVD player and save all the hassle! It'll also lighten the workload on your now older DVD cinema system.