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Conference rusure::nintendo

Title:Nintendo Game Systems
Notice:Please enter Super NES notes in Yuppy::Super_NES.
Moderator:RUSURE::EDP
Created:Tue Oct 20 1987
Last Modified:Mon Feb 03 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:847
Total number of notes:11602

716.0. "NES/VCR/NNN switch?" by ASDG::SBILL () Wed Jan 15 1992 08:07

    Moderator please feel free to move this wherever you see fit...
    
    I'd like to be able to use my NES without having to unplug the RCA
    cables from my VCR and I was wondering if any of you know of a solution
    that is cheap and easy to use. Radio Shaft has a box that switches up
    to four different units into one TV but I've found that some of their
    products are a bit inferior and I'd hate to lose the good picture
    quality I get from my new VCR. Has anyone got one of these units? Is
    there anything better on the market? It would be great if it works well
    because we'd have better access to our NES (we rarely play now because
    it's such a *pain* to unhook the cables from the VCR, attach them to
    the NES, then reattach them to the VCR when we're finished). Maybe we'd
    even consider getting another video game system SNES, Genesis, etc. if
    this makes it easier.  
    
    Steve B.
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716.1BUSY::SLABOUNTYHereComesTrouble&ItLooksLikeFunWed Jan 15 1992 12:157
    
    	Why do you have to unplug the VCR?  The Nintendo deck I have has
    	a connector with 2 outlets ... one to plug the VCR or cable box
    	into and the other to plug/screw into the back of the TV.  And I
    	don't notice any degrading of the picture.
    
    							GTI
716.2AKOCOA::SALLOWAYYou'll See Perpetual ChangeWed Jan 15 1992 16:1320
    I think the basenoter is using the AUDIO/VIDEO cords, which do provide
    better resolution, but do not provide the 'pass-thru' capability of the
    RF connector I think you were talking about.
    
    If you NEVER want to change wires, you have two choices:
    
    	- Use the RF connector into the TV.  Plug the antenna or cable or
    VCR cord, whatever is going into the TV now, into the little box.  Whne
    the NES is off, the antenna/cable/VCR will pass-thru, as if it wasn't
    even there.
    
    	- If you want to use the AUDIO/VIDEO connectors, you can either us
    the RF connector for the VCR, and keep them into your TV permanently,
    or plug the AUDIO/VIDEO connectors into your VCR directly.  You will
    have to turn on your VCR whenever you play NES, and you won't be able
    to record at the same time, but you will have better resolution.
    
    	Unless you have a big expensive TV, I would probably opt for the
    former.
    		Cheers, -Brian
716.3Just need new A/V cables?ASDG::SBILLThu Jan 16 1992 08:0211
    
    I have been using the A/V cables (not the RF) for the VCR going into
    the TV. When I want to play my NES I unplug the cables from the VCR and
    plug them into the NES. I wouldn't mind turning on the VCR in order to
    play the NES. I'll take a look at the manual and see if the setup from
    -.1 will work. If it will, all I'll need is another set of A/V cables
    right? Does anybody else besides Radio Shank sell them?
    
    Thanks for the input,
    
    Steve B.
716.4NEWOA::DALLISONDer TartmeisterThu Jan 16 1992 08:3210
    
    I don't know about the US, but here in the UK its possible to have the
    set up (described in -1) without any extra cables at all. It describes
    how to do this in the booklet.
    
    I have mine done like that at home - if I can remember, I'll post the
    cabling setup here tomorrow.
    
    
    -Tony
716.5Lots of stores have 'em.DEMON::CHALMERSSki or die...Thu Jan 16 1992 10:0810
    re:.3
    
    The video section of some department & appliance stores (Lechmere's, 
    Bradlee's, Sears, etc.) as well as some larger hardware homecenters
    (HQ, Home Depot, etc.) usually carry an array of video components
    such as splitters, switches, cables, etc. Don't know how price or
    quality compare to Radio Shack, though...
    
    Good luck
    
716.6AKOCOA::SALLOWAYYou'll See Perpetual ChangeThu Jan 16 1992 12:229
    A/V cables are available wherever VCRs are sold.  But you should have
    got a set w/your VCR, and I know the NES came with a set, so there's
    two right there.  If you only have one cord (2 plugs on each end) you'll
    need another, about $5-10 for good quality 6-footers.
    
    BTW, the Super NES comes with 3 plugged A/V cords, so you can plug the
    Left/Right stereo sound into your receiver or stereo TV.
    
    	Cheers, -Brian
716.7I cannibalized the Nintendo A/V cord...ASDG::SBILLThu Jan 16 1992 15:3812
    
    I am using both cords for the VCR. For some reason, the VCR came with
    cords for the speakers only. So I use those for the speakers and the
    one that came with the nintendo for the video (with the red one hanging
    in the air). I guess my problem would be solved if I could get a
    "single" cord for the VCR video jack and use the one that came with the
    nintendo for the nintendo. I use a "loop" setup so that I can record
    one program while I am whatching another (avoids arguments) but it does
    kind of complicate things.
    
    Steve B.