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How to Connect Digital Cable to a TV With an RF Modulator

You can connect any old TV with an RF modulator

By Matthew Torres Matthew Torres Writer Texas State University-San Marcos Former Lifewire writer Matthew Torres is a journalist who writes about television technology, consumer support articles, and TV-related news. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on February 20, 2021 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email TV & Displays HDMI & Connections Samsung Projectors Antennas Remote Controls

What to Know

Connect the wall coaxial cable to the cable box Video In. From the cable box, connect the video and audio cables to the VCR Video In.Link a coax cable from the VCR Video Out to an RF modulator In port. Link composite cables from the DVD Video Out to an RF modulator In.Connect the RF modulator to your TV using a coaxial cable. The cord will run from the RF modulator Video Out port to the TV Video In. This article explains how to hook up your older TV to digital cable, a DVD player, and a VCR using an RF modulator with multiple hookups. Instructions apply to standalone DVD players, not combo units.

How to Connect Digital Cable to a TV With an RF Modulator

After you connect everything, you'll notice working with an RF modulator is just like working without one, except you'll have an extra device connected between the video signal and the television. Here's how to set it up: Connect the coaxial cable coming out of the wall to your digital cable box in the Video In slot. It might also be labeled Antenna In or Cable In. From the cable box, connect a coaxial or composite (yellow video cable) and stereo (red-white) RCA audio cables to the Video In terminal on your VCR. Connect a coaxial cable from the Video Out port on the VCR to one of the In ports on the RF modulator. Connect your DVD player to the RF Modulator by using the yellow-red-white composite/RCA cables from the Video Out port on the DVD player to an In port on the RF modulator. If your DVD player is a combo unit with the VCR, you can skip this step, as the connection will be included in the VCR set up. Connect the RF modulator to your TV using a coaxial cable. The cord will run from the Video Out port of the RF modulator to the Video In, Cable, or Antenna In port of your television. That should be all you need to get started watching your digital television. To summarize, here's a basic rundown of the connections: Coaxial from wall to cable box Cable box to VCR VCR to RF modulator DVD player to RF Modulator RF modulator to TV You will only be able to record what is on channel three because the digital cable will require you be on channel three. As for future connections to the RF modulator, just plug your viewing device into it and hit the button activating the video signal for the device you want to view. As long as it is connected to the television and the TV is on channel three, you should be able to see your video signal. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire How to Connect an Xbox One to a TV How to Connect Your Phone to Your TV With USB How to Record Cable TV With a VCR Wii U: Finding a Good Location for the Console Can You Still Use an Analog TV? How to Connect an iPad to a TV How to Play PSP Games on Your TV How to Connect a DTV Converter Box to an Analog TV 6 Ways to Connect Your Computer to Your TV How to Connect a TV and Modem to One Cable Outlet How to Set Up a Home Theater System How to Transfer 8mm and Hi8 Video Tapes to DVD or VHS The Top 7 Streaming Services with Local Channels How to Troubleshoot Your DTV Converter Box What to Know Before Buying a Video Capture Device What Is S-Video (Super-Video)? Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies