Do switch-boxes just naturally suck ass, or..?

[Veepa]

I have an Atari 2600, a Commodore 64, and an Intellivision. I just bought the INTV so I'm eager to play it, but I just have no luck with switch-boxes. I own two completely different switch boxes, but they both provide incredibly unsatisfactory and nauseating results for all three of the systems..

A static-covered screen, incredibly hard to see.. I can spend like 30 minutes jiggling it around a little bit to get a tolerable screen, but I just can't get a nice looking picture. What..the..hell...

It frustrates the pants right of me. I'm not wearing pants anymore. Thanks a lot switch-box.

What should I do?

[boatofcar]

I guess it's subjective. If you're used to component-quality, what may be considered "acceptable" by you is probably different than someone who never even dreamed of having that quality. I've used switchboxes most of my life, and they've always been fine for me. They're fairly cheap-I'd pick up a few more at a thrift and hope for the best.

[Flack]

http://www.atariage.com/store/index....products_id=42

[omnedon]

AV mods are a possibility too, but for bang for buck, the F-Plug linked above is a good way to go.

Switch boxes suck. Use an F-plug.

Or composite or S-Video.

[diskoboy]

You can do s-video or RGB with the C64 if you can locate the cables. I used to have a pair of RGB cables, but I have no idea whatever happened to them.

Composite mods can be done to the Inty and VCS if you search the web and have good soldering skills.

RF modulation does suck.

[Gapporin]

It also depends on the TV as well. I've seen some TV's where the RF looks absolutely horrible, and some other TV's where the RF looks stunning (well, for RF, that is). I'd try using the same switch-boxes with other TV's, if at all possible, to see if the problem is actually with the switch-box.

[Pete Rittwage]

Also make sure you're in VHF/UHF (antenna) mode instead of CATV (cable) mode. The channel bandwidth is different and the tuner will give you a better picture in the antenna mode.

My 2600 Jr. looks like crap in cable mode on Channel 3, but is crystal clear on the same channel in Antenna mode.

[InsaneDavid]

As was mentioned, drop the couple bucks on a phono to type-F adapter. That plus an A/B box (so you can still have your cable line connected) lets you use your switchbox era consoles with the minimal amount of hassle and work.

[c0ldb33r]

A static-covered screen, incredibly hard to see.. I can spend like 30 minutes jiggling it around a little bit to get a tolerable screen, but I just can't get a nice looking picture. What..the..hell...

It frustrates the pants right of me. I'm not wearing pants anymore. Thanks a lot switch-box.

What should I do?

Are you using a manual switchbox or an automatic one?

When I first got my 7800, I tried using an auto switchbox from my NES and SMS and neither worked (the 7800 didn't come with one). The screen was filled with static. It looked like when you watch an old TV and someone turns on a vacuum in the room. I read online that older systems don't output a strong enough signal to complete switch over an automatic switchbox.

So, I did what was suggested above and got a type F adapter from Radioshack. Plugged it in, and I was crystal clear in 15 seconds. Well, as clear as an RF signal gets

[googlefest1]

the old beat up ones work best for me - i purchased a few diferent kind from radio shack as replacements and they sucked -- the old ones i find at flea markets work best for me

[RJ]

I got a Colecovision awhile back & the direct-connect cable connection/reception SUCKED. The screen was visible & the game(s) playable, but it needed lots of improvement.

I was told to use an old Atari silver switchbox (w/ "TV/GAME" slider switch) & it worked wonders. There's still a bit of interference, but it's much improved.

[InsaneDavid]

I got a Colecovision awhile back & the direct-connect cable connection/reception SUCKED. The screen was visible & the game(s) playable, but it needed lots of improvement.

I was told to use an old Atari silver switchbox (w/ "TV/GAME" slider switch) & it worked wonders. There's still a bit of interference, but it's much improved.

Use one of those phono to type-F adapters with a good video cable and it'll look a million times better.