Fuzzy Picture On Colecovision

[mobiusclimber]

I bought a Colecovision off Craigslist, it came with a wire that plugs into a box w/ those two prongs like old tv antennas use. My tv doesn't have that plug in so I tried using both a Sega Genesis and an NES RF unit, but couldn't get anything out of the Sega Genesis and was finally able to get picture with the NES one. Unfortunately the picture is very static-y. Anyone know what I can do to improve the picture quality?

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

The NES and Genesis boxes need a signal from the game system to "switch" into video game mode. An older system sends out weaker signals, and sometimes it is not stong enough to signal the switch. Switchboxes in the 2600 era had a manual switch that you flick with your finger.

This may not explain why the NES only works partially, but I'd start off by trying a manual box, or by buying one of these, which usually gives you the best picture:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ATARI-2600-5200-7800-TV-RF-Cable-Connector-Switch-Box_W0QQitemZ120513651013QQcmdZViewItemQQptZVideo_ Games?hash=item1c0f2c6145

[mobiusclimber]

Oh ok thanks. Didn't know the switch box was actually necessary, that probably explains it. *crosses fingers*