Recommended equipment for playing RF only systems

[rayik]

I have several old systems that are RF only (RCA Studio II, Arcadia 2001, Atari 7800). I would like to connect them to a modern HDTV. I've been looking at different options and am wondering what is the best way to go:

1) RF demodulator outputting to HDMI such as this unit on amazon

2) Sony TU-1041U to RetroTink 2xPro using Male BNC to male RCA cable

3) Something else

I've been able to convert almost all of the other systems I have to RGB output which I use with a Framemeister XRGB-mini.

I appreciate the ideas and suggestions

[Bratwurst]

For now, until someone benevolently comes up with an RGB mod, I recommend the UAV (Ultimate Atari Video) board for the Atari 7800, it at least gives the system composite and s-video. It's what I've done with mine.

[Guspaz]

I'd suspect that any RF-to-HDMI solution that you're going to find that isn't retro gaming focused is going to add a fair bit of lag as compared to something that converts RF to composite fed into a RetroTINK product.

You can find much simpler RF demodulators with composite output than the Sony TU-1041U that are simply fixed to channel 3, though I don't know what their quality is like. If you've already got the Sony, then I'd say use that.

[FinalBaton]

Yeah, an external RF modulator into the Retrotink seems like the best bet.

the cheaop all-in-one upscaling boxes actually work well for capturing video, but probably have lag so not as interesting a solution for videogames, I agree with Guspaz here.

what material do you have right now? do you have that Sony one you mentionned?

[orange808]

Does the Retrotink reliably handle all the Atari VCS software?

Get yourself an old VCR. I have both Sony and Extron (stand alone) demodulators--and my VCR decks do a better job with Atari RF noise.

As for 7800 boards, its my understanding that the colors don't come out right. Is there really a proper solution?

[FinalBaton]

I actually rock a VCR myself.

professional-grade Sony SVO-1610. I can hardly see the difference between demodulated rf and composite NES through it. I love that thing. plus it feels more authentic

but it is somewhat bulky setup and I expect some folk won't want to get one. although I personally don't mind. it's not that much bigger than 2-3 small converter boxes, and many people that are hardcore into hardware have a ton of those so...

[Steamflogger Boss]

It doesn't even require the tape deck itself to be working. Should be able to get one for free or close to it.

[FinalBaton]

It doesn't even require the tape deck itself to be working. Should be able to get one for free or close to it.

Indeed! good clarification, as many people don't know this.

[Guspaz]

Another point against RF-to-HDMI boxes that I had forgotten: in addition to the lag, they almost always treat 240p content as 480i, messing up various things.

[rayik]

I ordered a RetroTINK 2x Pro from SAG.

I do not have the Sony tuner. I saw it recommended in other threads. There are plenty on eBay for about $40 (including shipping). Any specific RF demodulator recommended. Cheapo RF to composite OK?

With some of my other systems I have been lucky to obtain some RGB kits. Installed kits for Intellivision and Atari 5200. Both are similar in concept to the NESRGB. Pictures are really good.

Again thank you for the help.

[rayik]

Picked up Sony TU-1041U and RetroTink 2xPro. They work great to get systems with composite and RF output onto modern HDTV.

Even knowing the dimensions of the Sony TU-1041U, I was surprised how big it was
.