how can I convert a coaxial cable signal to RCA's?

Question

I bought a ultra new TV that doesn't have a simple coax cable input. All it has is RCA inputs. My cable provider provides a traditional coaxial feed to my TV. How can I convert a coaxial cable signal to RCA's. I went to Radio Shack and found nothing. All they do is the inverse (RCA to coaxial). I adapted an old VCR to view and change channels for the moment but this option stinks. Please help.

Answer 1

This is actually a pretty complicated problem, and your workaroud with the VCR is pretty smart. I think that is your best solution.

My next suggestion is outside the scope of your question, but as you just bought a fancy tv, you should consider it. the cable company is giving you the lowest quality analouge signal if it is only coming in via coax. since most TV sources are digital now, a new TV expects at least RCAs. In addition, since all TV's manufactured after 2006 must have a digital tuner built in, some manufactures have done away with the coax in altogether to get around this requirement.

bottom line, if you stay with cable, you need to get a cable box from them. this will have RCA and other output options. a coax-RCA converter doesnt exist becuase that is the definition of a tuner: taking all the signals off the coax and displaying them one at a time through RCA/s-video/composite out ports.

hope this rambling helps

Answer 2

1 - use a vcr as a tuner as recommended by others. 2 - if you have a cable box, check to see if it has rca outputs. some do. 3 - buy a separate tuner box (although a cheap used vcr even if the vcr part itself were broken would probably be cheaper) RF modulator is used to take an rca signal and convert it to channel 3 or 4 so, no you can't use it.

Answer 3

As you have discovered, you need a TUNER for your TV ( I'm guessing you actually bought a MONITOR and not a TV since it does not have a built in tuner ) Other than using a VCR to tune in stations, the only other option is to get a cable box from your cable company and hook that up to your set.

Answer 4

I am sure Radio Shack has a converter. I have one I bought there many years ago to convert my playstation signal. It is not a stereo version, but I am sure they have the stereo version available. Probably about $20.
I have seen higher tech versions, allowing multiple inputs guided to a single output for about $100, at "FRYE's" (a electronics superstore in the Dallas area) so it depends on your budget and desired quality.