I posted earlier about using a splitter to use a VCR and a DVD on the same TV. Details about that aside, instead of a four-way splitter box, I already had a modulator so I thought if I split the TV and Satellite cables and hooked them up to the VCR and the modulator it should work. But the pictures are messed up when the video cable is hooked up simultaneously to the DVD and VCR. Once I unhook it from one the picture is okay. The cable from the TV goes to the 3-way splitter; from there the two cables go to the modulator and the VCR; same for the cable from the satellite. Why shouldn’t this work when the DVD or VCR are turned off respectively? Is there some kind of feedback from them? :dubious: :rolleyes:
It sounds like you’ve gotten it backwards (a common mistake that I’ve seen people make, and I’m not even a TV service-guy). A splitter is designed to take one signal and “replicate” it across multiple devices (one VCR to multiple TVs, or one cable box to multiple TVs or VCRs, etc.). It looks to me from your description
that you have multiple signals coming into the splitter, being output to one TV. That won’t work.
Does your RF modulator have A/V inputs (for the DVD player) and a coaxial “Antenna In” connection to connect your regular rabbit ears/house antenna? I know it should have a coax output to your TV.
IF you have only one input (TV) and multiple outputs (VCR/DVD/satellite) you need some sort of switch, no way around that. If your TV only has an RF (coax, also referred to as an “F” connector) input you can get an RF switch. Otherwise you can get a multiple RCA switch that will handle both audio and video. Unless your VCR is unplugged from the circuit, some components in the output section are likely interfering with the signal, as it’s not designed to be used that way.
Really, not to put you off or anything because we`d love to help you here.
What I would do if I were you is draw a crude diagram of the inputs on the back of the TV and all the other components. Carefully label all the different connectors and note wether they are inputs or outputs and even note the colors. Collect the manuals for the equipment if you have them. Take the drawing and all the manuals to the nearest electronics store (Radio Shack, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.). Ask to talk to someone with experience in hooking up equipment. Then show that person what you are trying to do. He/she will then help you connect your equipment the right way. This person can offer you the part/s you need to get this set-up working right and can even draw on your diagram the right way to hook everything up.
If you get any crap, tell them whuckfistle sent you.
PS, I agree with Running with Scissors, and troub.