how to get the cleanest picture out of an atari 2600

cleverlyj

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how to get the cleanest picture out of an atari 2600

so i have a 42" vizio lcd that my 2600 is hooked up to, and i get a blurry pic that is a lot crisper on my older tube tv.

now, i don't want to do any of the video mods because my console is a heavy sixer.

one question, really the main one, is is the tv/game switchbox better than using the rca=>coax adapter? that's what i have, and i was wondering if one of those rf tv/game switchboxes would clean it up at all. i think they may still sell them at radioshack.
 
so i have a 42" vizio lcd that my 2600 is hooked up to, and i get a blurry pic that is a lot crisper on my older tube tv.

now, i don't want to do any of the video mods because my console is a heavy sixer.

one question, really the main one, is is the tv/game switchbox better than using the rca=>coax adapter? that's what i have, and i was wondering if one of those rf tv/game switchboxes would clean it up at all. i think they may still sell them at radioshack.

I'd say with atari's being easy enough to find to just grab a spare and do a video mod on it. Win Win!
 
The cheap switchboxes are very prone to interference, but you get what you pay for.
 
Don't try and get crafty by using an automatic RF switch (i.e. one that does not physically have to be switched between the "TV" and "game" position), like an automatic one from a NES.
These will not work for the 2600/7800, as the signal is not strong enough to trigger the switch completely.

The coax to RCA adapters work really well, and I don't think you can get any simpler for best quality. But the only issue with that is you cannot plug your cable into your TV. I have used RF to composite converters (demodulator) in the past. That way, you can convert the RF signal to a standard yellow composite jack and keep your cable input open. Bad side-- not the cheapest ~$70
RFDM2-Front.gif

RFDM2-Diagram.gif
 
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I have used VCRs as a demodulator also and it works well, just kind of sloppy. But you can't beat the price.
 
These give a better picture than switch boxes:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATARI-2600-...040?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1f14dff8

I don't know anything about this seller, I just liked their funny picture showing how to hook it up. I include these with the 2600's we sell.

Yeah, I always preferred using the F-Type Coax to RCA connecters when I had to use RF connections.

Works with all the systems 16 bit and earlier except maybe the model 2 genesis.

Sometimes I wonder why I didn't notice how bad the video of the RF switches were back in the day. I never noticed all the lines and interference until I started using better equipment.
 
I think that they still have them at Radioshack.

Though don't depend on the staff to be able to help you find one.
 
These give a better picture than switch boxes:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATARI-2600-...040?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1c1f14dff8

I don't know anything about this seller, I just liked their funny picture showing how to hook it up. I include these with the 2600's we sell.

that's what i use. the picture isn't bad, i'd just like to see if i can clean it up and try to make as good as it does on a crt tv without modding it. i had heard somewhere that the tv/game switchboxes produced a better pic than the coax-rca adapter does, so that's why i was wondering about that.
 
I've heard the oposite and have used an RCA adapter ever since. Way better than any RF switch box and I have a drawer full of those as well, havent used them in years.

You could just have a bad coax cable on the unit itself, I'd try replacing it.

Either way, youll never get that grandfather of a system to look right on a flat panel TV.
 
The best way to play Atari 2600 games on your modern TV is to use a modded original Xbox with an Atari 2600 emulator and a full set of game ROMs. Not only does it output in red, green, blue, but it has every game available.
 
The best way to play Atari 2600 games on your modern TV is to use a modded original Xbox with an Atari 2600 emulator and a full set of game ROMs. Not only does it output in red, green, blue, but it has every game available.

+1 THIS, older systems like the 2600 will ALWAYS look like ass on newer TVs, no matter the mods for video output you do on them.
 
You would have to see them side by side. I'll bet if you did, you would pick the modded Xbox. It also can play NES, SNES, Colecovision, Intellivision, Atari 5200/400/800, Genesis, TG16, Lynx, and MAME.
 
yeah, i played 2600 games through an emulator on a PC. it looks way better :D. but it's missing the whole nostalgia thing. that's what gets me every time.
 
+1 THIS, older systems like the 2600 will ALWAYS look like ass on newer TVs, no matter the mods for video output you do on them.
WRONG.
It depends on which mod you do and how much time you take to do it. There is a whole spectrum of video mods available for the 2600 both open and proprietary. Everything from flat out hacks to truly nice fully engineered systems. You can buy or build most of the low to mid quality designs. The upper end designs are best purchased from from the designers or their agents to avoid the hassle of questionable SMT solder jobs, etc.

Technologically speaking you can run almost anything out of an Atari including but not limited to RF, composite, s-video, and VGA. Component outputs have not been implemented to my knowledge, but should be pretty easily done. Each format has various levels of quality available because there are multiple mods available. Eith the exception of VGA which is unique.

Yes stock RF looks like ass because it's already been converted before it ever leaves the unit. Then it has to be converted again inside the TV. VGA looks ***PERFECT*** on any VGA capable display, but there is apparently little interest is using that format. Pitty. Each format has strengths and weaknesses, but no matter which you choose, you should only convert ONCE going from the TIA to the TV input. That means RF converterss are out. You either use the F-to-RCA adapter, or you mod. Otherwise you will indeed have lossy conversions.

I could go on and on, but I'lll be late for dinner & a movie. I know you were probably not very serious with your comment. It just irks me when people yell "FACT!" about my favorite home system.

[edit] On emulation...it is very very good for the 2600. But it still isn't perfect, and you still need the actual controllers (that's possible, BTW) or you miss out on subtle gameplay mechanics. But that's a short disgruntlement topic. I'm really on about the video mods thing....
 
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Please do go on and on, and then stick another system on a CRT beside your new LCD/Plasma set...no matter the output, these systems look like ASS on new displays, period.

You can't feed a VERY low resolution signal designed for line doubled sets, on a new display...and think that in any way it could look as good or even near, it just doesn't. It just looks wrong.
 
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