Over the course of the next several blogs, I'll be exploring different means of utilizing a modern LCD display utilizing different technologies that will connect with a VIC-20. Beginning with the least desirable, and hopefully ending with the best solution.
This survey begins with the RF modulator.
The Commodore VIC-20 was primarily successful because it was an affordable machine. When I purchased mine in 1983, it was $99.00 USD ($100 is $394.94 today). It had dropped from $299.00 since its introduction in 1981. If I wasn't able to connect the VIC-20 to a TV, I wouldn't have been able to afford it. At this time, an Amdek Color-I Monitor would have cost $329 USD ( $866.23 in today's dollars).
Today, our displays are primarily digital and few HD TVs, if any, have TV modulation support and a coaxial (F-type) RF connector. Before our broadcast system converted to digital, some companies manufactured HDTVs with both analog and digital tuners and various connections to support VGA, HDMI and other inputs, providing multiple uses for the display.
I have a Vizio model VA22L HDTV that I purchased new back in 2009 for just this reason. I needed a TV and a large computer display in one unit. This particular model has inputs for HDMI, VGA, component, composite (AV) and, of course the coaxial (F-type) RF connector.
All of the necessary parts/cables that were supplied with the original VIC-20 are used to connect the system:
The VIC-20 is connected to it's RF modulator. From there, the RF modulator is connected to a switching box. This allows for a choice between the antenna or computer (labeled game) and also provides a connection to the coaxial (F-type) RF connector that's on the back of all analog TVs. And in this case, also on the back of the Vizio and labeled DTV/TV.
The following are the results:
The image is acceptable. As good as an old tube TV, as far as I remember. Possibly even better.
Another solution is to use any of the various TV cards or devices that were manufactured to add TV broadcast reception to your computer or monitor. I have an AverMedia TVbox 5 that works independently, without a PC. It adds a TV tuner to any VGA monitor.
To make this connection, the VIC-20 modulator with its switching box is connected to the Antenna In coaxial port of the AverMedia device. A VGA cable is connected out to whatever VGA display you have. This particular setup will give you much more flexibility in choosing a display.
The output is acceptable, but not as good as the RF connection to the Vizio monitor. The color seems desaturated and the text on the startup screen is not as solid
Part two will survey the various means of using the composite connection.
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