Both your VCR and
your SKY box can be viewed either via an AV scart connection or an
RF TV channel. However best results are usually obtained by using
the scart option. If your TV only caters for one scart connection
it is advisable to use this for the SKY Box. After all with an expensive
subscription you want to get the best sound and picture possible.
If you have used the
scart option for both VCR and SKY you should now be able to view SKY
channels and playback video tapes by selecting the relevant AV inputs
on your TV remote control. ( AV inputs are sometimes referred to as
Line input or Aux input ) The SKY Box and the VCR have what is called
an RF modulator. This means they have a built in transmitter that
carries the sound and picture through the aerial circuit. The channel
they transmit on can be tuned into on the TV if a scart connection
is not possible. One downside of this is that these signals from the
VCR and satellite receiver can by chance interfere with the broadcast
stations and cause all sorts of pattern problems on your TV picture.
The cure for this is to shift the modulator's output frequency to
a clear channel some distance from any of the broadcast stations you
wish to receive. Sometimes you have to hunt through the instruction
book for some time to find the relevant chapter dealing with this
problem. It's as though the manufacturer wants to keep it secret!
Now you are on your
own with the manufacturers book to tune the VCR and TV channels but
at least you have the confidence of knowing all the connections are
in the correct place! The chart below may help resolve the confusion
between UHF TV channels and frequency.
One useful tip when
tuning the TV to the Video's RF output channel is to disconnect the
UHF aerial and switch any other auxiliary equipment off. With the
TV in the manual search mode and a known tape playing the only signal
found will be from the VCR! Some VCR's have a facility to switch off
the RF modulator so remember to check this if you have difficulty
finding the signal on your TV.
There are numerous
ways of setting up your system to give greater flexibility. You may
wish to use the second RF out on your SKY box to view channels in
another location, perhaps a bedroom. This second RF out carries the
SKY channels as well as all the terrestrial stations provided by your
UHF aerial. With the addition of a small box of tricks your SKY remote
control can be used at the remote location. The possibilities go on
and on so this page is designed for the novice to get started.
Connecting
your DVD
DVD players have to
be connected to your TV via a scart or phono connection. In some installations
it is also beneficial to make use of the coaxial or optical digital
audio link. This makes sure of obtaining all the available surround
sound options.
London
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