How to connect stb/vcr/tv

Nick-F · 06-05-2005, 16:11

Hi folks, I'm hoping you can help me out.

i have telewest digital supplied through a scientific atlanta stb.

I got a new tv today, a panasonic tx28pm11. This set has 2 scart sockets.

When I tried connecting the components together, the terrestrial signals were really poor although the cable was fine.

If I just connect the rf from the antenna to the tv the picture is excellent on all 5 terrstrial channels, and if I connect the stb to the tv via scart 1 the cable pic is excellent on av1.

But where the heck does the vcr fit in with this??

I'm pulling my hair out here

I had it connected in this way with poor results;

antenna>stb>vcr>tv

tv scart on stb>scart 1 on tv

vcr scart on stb>vcr

Any suggestions please???

Thanks.

MovedGoalPosts · 06-05-2005, 16:14

to Cable Forum

rather than retyping, does anything in this thread help:
http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/sh...ad.php?t=27811

paulyoung666 · 06-05-2005, 16:17

hi and

to the site , i wonder if it is anything to do with which channel the vcr is tuned into , causing interference between it and the stb , something to go on anyway

Nick-F · 06-05-2005, 16:21

Blindingly quick reply there

That thread does look interesting and I may pursue the y splitter for the rf.

I'll also look into retuning the rf for the vcr, as I did notice it had an adjustment screw on the back.

Will be back for further help and/or to let you know whats happening.

Cheers

paulyoung666 · 06-05-2005, 16:23

we aim to please

with quick responses that is

Roy MM · 06-05-2005, 16:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-F

I'll also look into retuning the rf for the vcr, as I did notice it had an adjustment screw on the back.

Be very careful tuning the RF it only needs slight tweak or you could find yourself tuning way of the part you want, and theres no default reset.

Nick-F · 06-05-2005, 17:18

Ummm

Well I've already fiddled about with the rf on the vcr and it appears to be on ch28 according to the tv's tuner.

It certainly appears that the vcr and the stb are not on the same channel, well not now anyway...

I'll nip out shortly and see if I can get one of these y piece splitters for the rf and another patch lead.

Hopefully that might help.

What is so annoying is that everything works perfectly well on it's own, but connected together something seems to be interfering with something else.

Nick-F · 06-05-2005, 18:57

OK, I'm still not getting this.

If I connect the external antenna to a y piece, and then take the two connections to 1) the set top box, and 2) the vcr in, I still get interference on the picture.

Removing the connection from the set top box immediately improves the picture.

Any more suggestions.

I fear my head may explode soon.

paulyoung666 · 06-05-2005, 19:03

ok , aerial to video then to tv , cable box to video then to tv via scart , cable box straight to tv via scart , or have you been there

Nick-F · 06-05-2005, 19:47

"cable box to video then to tv via scart , cable box straight to tv via scart "

That kinda suggest to me the video should have 2 scarts, it only has one.

The stb has 2 scarts, one labelled tv the other labelled vcr.

Where can I get dynamite at this time on a Friday.........................
__________________

Ok, next update.

I tuned ch6 on the tv to the stb, and ch7 to the vcr.

If I have the vcr on I lose the cable signal - so does this mean that they are on the same or too similar a frequency??

And to rectify this do I just twiddle the rf adjustment on the back of the vcr until it all works??
__________________

Just read here

http://forum.digitalspy.co.uk/board/...d.php?t=211960

about how to change the rf output channel on the stb.

Perhaps I should change that.

MovedGoalPosts · 06-05-2005, 20:00

Hmm, you must have an older or cheapo VCR if it's only got one SCART :p

I'd be tempted to play with the VCR RF rather than the STB. That way you are fiddling with and affecting something you own. You should only need a very small adjustment to change the clashing frequencies. It was something many of us were told to do when Channel Five was launched as that often clashed.

Nick-F · 06-05-2005, 20:15

Yes, the vcr is old and probably about to be replaced.

I think it may be near the root of the problem.

I changed the rf output on the stb from 54 to 32 via a few others that didn't help.

It all seems to work fine now - but only when the scart between the vcr and the stb is not connected.

I may bring forward replacing the vcr (probably over 12yrs old now

) and pop in to Richer Sounds tomorrow.

Thanks very much for everybodys help. please keep suggestions coming, and I'll update as I get further in/out of this mess.

Nick-F · 07-05-2005, 17:36

Update;

Bought a new vcr today, one with 2 scarts.

Wired the whole lot together as per wiring diagram in stb manual and all is ok.

The new vcr has the function of disabling the rf output when using scart connections, so I did this to try to avoid further problems.

I guess my problems were being caused by interference between the stb and vcr, and this was exascerbated by the vcr being short on connections.

Having altered the rf channel on the stb, I guess I'll just leave it as everything is functioning ok.

Thanks for all your comments, this forum has been a good find

paulyoung666 · 07-05-2005, 17:37

good stuff , glad you got sorted

MovedGoalPosts · 07-05-2005, 22:53

Nice to see you got a solution, even if it got a bit expensive.