In "Back to the Future," Doc and Marty hook up a circa-1985 camcorder to a circa-1955 TV set. Possible or not

Answer 1

Yes, an RF Transformer would be required, ( even if you had an RF modulator , it wouldn't work without a transformer as RF or RG connections weren't used back then) "Rabbit ears" were simply the two antennae connected to the TV and then also attached using two wires with a U shape at the end to slide under standard screws. These types of TV sets were sold up until about 1992 so connecting them to a 1955 TV would simply mean taking the transformer with the two wires and attaching them to the TV then connecting the camera to the RF from the battery charger ( that's where most camcorders of the 80's had there video connection ports) using the cable. if my sources are correct, an RF Modulator, an affordable compact one anyway, wouldn't have been around even in 1985 so it would have been useless and extra item anyway because you'd still need the transformer because,as stated before, TV's didn't have the RF connections in 1955. Today, camcorders dont even have the RF connectors on the units because some idiot believes that the yellow composite analog cable ( which only delivers 270-420 lines of resoultion) is a better quality signal than the 480i that can be sent through the Analog RF. But thats for another time.

Answer 2

Yep. It would be no problem at all for a person who was knowledgeable in electronics in 1955 to connect a 1985 camcorder to a TV using just a couple of wires on the inside to make a working composite video connection.

Also the yellow composite analog is better quality than an RF connection. And I have the test equipment to prove it!

WK

Answer 3

Even if Marty didn't have the RF adapter, I'm sure Doc Brown can figure it out...he 'is' a scientist you know.

Answer 4

Standard RF converter switches to a signal the set will read. No big deal.

Answer 5

Do-able if you have an adaptor. Of course... who carries around an addaptor within their camcorder?