Conference 7.286::atarist

        In general the answer is no, nothing on the market (that I'm
        aware of) specifically for the ST.
        
        The problem is that one needs to run a composite video source
        into a RGB color monitor.  It's possible to do if you have the
        right circuitry (your TV does this, btw).  If you have a
        Mitsubishi DiamondScan multisync monitor, it already has a
        composite input.
        
        Converting the composite color signal to RGB is possible, but not
        exactly a diy home job.  The colors are phase shifted along with
        the luminance.  One has to convert the phase to seperate analog
        signals, plus pull out the hoizontial and vertical sync.
        
        You might ask around for a NTSC-to-RGB converter, which might be
        found at some of the larger (Pro) video stores.
        
        Bob

    
    Hi,
    
    
    This is not so in EUROPE.
    
    
    There are a couple of firms selling TV tuner/IF/sound o/p and RGB
    output units for exactly this purpose, i.e. to use a RGB monitor as a 
    TV set.
    
    I dont know if they have a video input as well, so you could couple a
    video recorder into the box and derive a RGB sig for the monitor, it
    would add extra functionality tho!. YOU CAN STILL output the video on
    an used RF frequency, and couple the video RF output to the RF input of
    the adaptor box.
    
    B.T.W
    There are a couple of other goodies available in the UK, One is a
    Weather satelite receiver and driver for the ST/monitor. 
    
    The other is a "TELETEXT" decoder (RF TV Signals to the ST, This enables
    the ST to display all the information channels transmitted in the line 
    gaps.
    There is also a SHARE Analysis program available, that loads its share
    data base automatically from the above mentioned TELETEXT decoder.
    Neat HUH?
    
    Regards
    
    Pat K.

    Gald to here there is something available.
    
    Any ideas on cost and availability?
    
    Address or phone numbers would be great.
    
    I take it that playing the video source through the ST would do
    no damage to the monitor?
    
    Lewis.

    	Modern videos usually have a video out and sound out phono sockets
    which can be connected straight into the composite video in and sound
    in of a colour monitor simply by making up a cable.
    
    	I have done this with my Matsui vcr and Phillips 8833 monitor.No
    extra hardware is required.
    
    
    	Brian                                     

    Hey. that sounds great.
    
    Any chance of a wiring diag for the cable. I'll have to check the
    video and monitor scokets aswell ;-)
    
    Lewis.

    	The wiring for the cable depends on the vcr and monitor that you
    are using.If you are using the Phillips 8833 monitor I can enter the
    wiring list.
    
    	My vcr has a phono socket each for video and sound,and the monitor
    has a 5-pin din socket where 1 pin is composite video and another
    sound,you only need to connect these two signal(+ground).
    There is also a button on the front of the Phillips 8833
    monitor to select input 1 or 2,so both the atari and vcr can be
    connected at the same time and changed at the press of a button.
    
    	(note:-The st is not needed to use a monitor as a tv)
    
	Brian..

    
    Hi,
    
    Re the last few notes. I dont think I made the point clear. SOME monitors
    only have R,G,B, inputs, and do NOT have comp video. THESE are the type
    of monitors that I was refferring to as needing the MAGIC box, to tune
    an RF TV or video signal input, and convert it to RGB output. SOME monitors
    also do NOT have speakers, therefore the MAgic box contains an AF stage and
    speakers as well
    
    If you have the Phillips 8833 pseudo monitor, (which is virtually a
    stripped down TV set, with all inputs, sound etc, apart from a TV tuner 
    stage, then obviously you wont need the box.
    
    Regards
    
    Pat
    

    Hhhmmm,
    
    I didn't really get a chance to look at the monitor properly last
    night. Kind of a late night ;-)
    
    BUT, i think that is only has the SCART-like connector from the
    ST. It's a Atari SC1425 monitor. Anybody got any other ideas?
    
    Cheers,
    
    Lewis.

	A friend of mine was looking into this a year or so ago, I'll
	ask him what he found and get back to you.

							Jim Patterson

    
    If it's an original Atari color monitor it needs RGB + Sync inputs
    which a VCR won't deliver. There is a PAL-->RGB converter for sale
    as a kit in Germany for about 100.- DM, maybe you just have to swap
    the main chip to make it work for NTSC or it's selectable anyway via
    a switch. If interested I'll send you the schematics (commented in
    german).
    Other idea: spend some more bucks and get hold of a (used) Amiga-
    monitor which eats nearly all signals. I did it and have it connected
    to my Atari and to my VCR (the same time, just push a button to 
    select which source). I have the clearest video-picture ever seen
    coming out of my VCR. I didn't know a VCR is able to produce this
    resolution!
    
    Bernd
    

    Bernd,
    
    Yes please, can you send the details (don't worry if it's in
    German - i'm fluent ;-). No actually i can get it translated,
    but in English would be great). I would be using it for a PAL 
    system (English). Is NTSC an American standard?
      
    Also i suppose that if i get some kind of frame-grabber for 
    the ST, which would enable me to display frames etc... then
    could it also include playing the VCR through the ST?
    
    Lewis.

    
    Yes, NTSC is the american and japanese TV standard, like we have PAL
    and the French do have SECAM. 
    In one of the early issues of C't magazine this year they published a
    framegrabber card for PCs I think (including software). I didn't 
    follow the article, but it might be of interest for you if you could
    get hold of it.
    Playing a VCR through your Atari needs some sort of genlock interface.
    I know of just one sold in Germany and that thing is way above 1000.-
    DM (not so in the Amiga world, there are several of them for convenient
    prices). With a genlock you are able to mix Atari graphics with VCR
    videos, even manipulate VCR videos and record them with a second VCR.
    But, expensive thing to do with Atari.
    There must be a way, however, to mix Atari and VCR on a easy way
    without any options for tricky things. Just 50/50 mix. Atari's video
    chip has a input "External Sync" to synchronize Atari's video output
    to another video-source like a camera or a VCR. But I don't know
    anybody who played around with this option so far.
    I'll copy the article with the converter monday morning. Please mail
    me your post-stop so you'll get it in time.
    
    Bernd