What is an RF modulator? I have been asked this question a few times so I decided to write up a description on what a RF modulator is and how to connect your DVD player or video game system to TV without any auxiliary inputs.
A RF modulator lets you view DVDs, video games, and home videos on a TV set that does not have audio video inputs. The RF modulator accepts RCA inputs (see picture below) and converts it to coaxial which allows you connect to the RF plug on your television. Most RF modulators allow you to select channel 2 or channel 3 for viewing.
The main reason for using an RF modulator is older TV sets don’t have RCA Composite inputs (red, yellow, and white) or S-video connections. Often these are older TVs that you can’t throw out because they still work. So you end up using a RF modulator to hook up a DVD or video game console for the kids. To connect a DVD (or video game) system to a TV with an RF plug, simply take the yellow-red-white RCA output and connect it to the RF modulator. Then take a coaxial cable from the RF modulator to the TV. There usually is a channel button (2 or 3) on the RF modulator which defines what channel to set the TV to in order to pick up the video and sound feed.
So if you have an old TV set that still works and you want to hook up a Wii or PS game system; then you will need a RF modulator. Its a pretty cheap way of making use of the old TV set. I have seen old Nintendo systems hooked up through RF modulators that keep the kids entertained for hours. The old games are still fun, so don’t throw the old TV and Nintendo out in the trash!
