Connecting to TV

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Last seen: 11 years 11 months ago
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Connecting to TV

Yesterday I connected up my IIe to a TV the normal way (yellow Composite cable) its a PAL IIe connecting to a fairly new 20" Flat screen. The Apple has also been connected to 2 other new Flat screens (including a 42" which was quite awesome looking) with no problems on either TV. However on this TV, the image switches from black to the apple screen then back to black again in seconds. I am pretty sure its a problem on the TV side but does anybody have any thoughts on what could be the problem?

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Re: Connecting to TV

Your hunch is right. The TV is having trouble locking onto the signal. Woz took "liberties" with the signal specifications, and not every set can respond appropriately. Some TVs have tighter timing constraints and don't appreciate the out-of-spec signal.

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Last seen: 11 years 11 months ago
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Re: Connecting to TV

The great Woz isn't perfect? well you learn something new everyday i suppose! hahah ah well i guess i will have to find myself a cheap old TV.

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Re: Connecting to TV

The great Woz isn't perfect?

I didn't say that at all. He took some very creative liberties with the video data stream and achieved some very interesting results with an absolute minimum of hardware that the video display devices of the time tolerated completely. Times changed, that's all.

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Re: Connecting to TV

If you have an old vcr or other device that has composite input, you may still be able to get it to work by connecting it through a device that will act as a middle man.

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Re: Connecting to TV

what are the chances of using a Composite to Scart adapater? The TV has a scart input, and I'm pretty sure I have a few old Adapters around.

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Re: Connecting to TV

Give it a try and let us know how it looks.

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Last seen: 11 years 11 months ago
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Re: Connecting to TV

Thanks for all the help, Unfortunately no go on the adapter trick. Tried the VCR suggestion but using an old DVD player that has composite in and out, but lack of a second composite cable to hand, i used the Scart out to the tv still got the same problem.

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Last seen: 11 years 11 months ago
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Re: Connecting to TV

Oh Eureka! I found an old cable with red and white composite ends, plugged the red into the yellow video slot on the DVD player for video out and the other red into the yellow video in on the TV, and it's all fine and Dandy! woop no need for another screen!

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