# RF Modulator **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 19, 2015, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-modulator/740849 "2015-12-19T14:41:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DougP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eada6e/32.png) [@DougP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DougP)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2015, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-modulator/740849/1 "2015-12-19T14:41:18Z")
Do they make a RF Modulator which accepts both composite and component video inputs and provides a coaxial output for connection to an older TV? ---
**Author:** ![Isilder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/cc9497/32.png) [@Isilder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Isilder)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2015, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-modulator/740849/2 "2015-12-19T15:04:27Z")
> [@DougP](#): > > Do they make a RF Modulator which accepts both composite and component video inputs and provides a coaxial output for connection to an older TV? RF could only do Standard definition, as the radio frequencies were only designated for analog broadcasts. You will have to ensure your component is at Standard definition. You can use this to convert component to composite. [http://www.hdtvsupply.com/component-to-composite-adapter.html](http://www.hdtvsupply.com/component-to-composite-adapter.html) which is an expensive thing. $ 90. You can then use a composite to RF modulator, which is $10. There may be component to RF , such as old VHS tape records and so on, video “receiver” or “Switch” boxes but these would cost much more ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2015, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-modulator/740849/3 "2015-12-19T22:09:24Z")
You might find an old VCR will work. Some (especially the “middle years” high end ones) had both types of inputs and could output channel 3/4. Get one for $5 at a thrift store. Be sure to check the back panel carefully. ---
**Author:** ![Alley\_Dweller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alley_dweller/32/430_2.png) [@Alley\_Dweller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alley_Dweller)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2015, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-modulator/740849/4 "2015-12-19T22:28:03Z")
> [@Isilder](#): > > RF could only do Standard definition, as the radio frequencies were only designated for analog broadcasts. In most large metropolitan areas, you can put a metal stick on your roof (an antenna), run a coaxial wire from that stick down to your TV with an HD tuner and watch HD TV for free. Radio frequencies carry Digital TV (DTV) signals quite nicely, including HD ones. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2015, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-modulator/740849/5 "2015-12-20T00:46:24Z")
There are hundreds listed on ebay for $10-$20 delivered[- Here’s one](http://www.ebay.com/itm/RF-Modulator-TV-Switch-Audio-Video-RCA-Ant-Input-to-F-Type-Coax-Output-Converter-/251405214701?hash=item3a88eb23ed:g:ZqQAAOSwT5tWF-fY). ---
**Author:** ![ftg](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ftg/32/2801_2.png) [@ftg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ftg)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2015, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-modulator/740849/6 "2015-12-20T16:57:34Z")
> [@astro](#): > > There are hundreds listed on ebay for $10-$20 delivered[- Here’s one](http://www.ebay.com/itm/RF-Modulator-TV-Switch-Audio-Video-RCA-Ant-Input-to-F-Type-Coax-Output-Converter-/251405214701?hash=item3a88eb23ed:g:ZqQAAOSwT5tWF-fY). That’s composite only. The OP wants composite _and_ component. ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [December 20, 2015, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rf-modulator/740849/7 "2015-12-20T19:15:19Z")
> [@ftg](#): > > That’s composite only. The OP wants composite _and_ component. I see now. Also in looking the reverse issue was explored at some length here before. [Are there TV RF modulators which output digital/HD on channel 3?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=759065)