[mythtv-users] Noise on TV signal from unpowered VCR

[Aaron Griffin]

On Thu, 16 Sep 2004 08:16:44 -0700, Shaun Jackman <sjackman at gmail.com> wrote:
> I'm getting some visual noise on my TV signal. It's related to cabling
> somehow. Here's the wiring diagram:
> 
> wall
> |
> splitter - capture card
> |
> VCR
> |
> TV
> 
> If the VCR is turned off, I see terrible noise on my TV signal. If the
> VCR is turned on and the TV is tuned to channel three (to display the
> VCR's TV signal) I don't see any noise.
> 
> Has anyone else ever seen this? Any suggestions?
> 
> Cheers,
> Shaun
> 
> 
> 
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> 


I haven't seen this myself, but it's entirely possible.  If the noise
is only on the pass-through and not on direct input, then there is
most likely something wrong with the pass-through portion.

The VCR has a sort-of "toggle" inside to say "if(on) output_vcr; else
output_input_signal;"

If the VCR is getting a clear signal, as shown by the clear output
from the VCR mode, and outputing a clear signal, then the VCR portion
should be fine.

I would suggest one of two things:
a) connect the VCR to TV with RCA jacks... coax connectors are not as
reliable... this could be part of the problem
b) lose the 80s technology (VCR) as you don't need it for recording
anymore... and use the TV out from a graphics card for the TV... if
you're simply recording and not watching from myth, I would suggest
the following (cheapest solution):

wall
   |
VCR
   |
splitter --- capture card
   |
 TV

However, you lose some functionality doing this.  You would have to
keep the VCR on at all times and use the VCR to change channels
instead of the TV... in addition, myth would only receive the channel
the VCR is tuned to.

Keep in mind, I'm operating under alot of assumptions.

Let me know your purpose for the setup so I can attempt to suggest
some alternatives.

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