Famicom Video Question

[mario3648]

I've been planning to get a Famicom along with it's Disk System, and I just have a question. I apologize if this had already been answered.

Is there a special TV I need to get? I've heard things about the channels needing to be up in the 90's, but only the TV in our kitchen will go up that high. I don't like modding consoles, in fact, I rarely take a console apart unless it needs work done to it.

Take your time, and thanks in advance.

[UglyJoe]

If you're not considering modding the console, then a CRT TV (that is, not an LCD) that can tune in channel 95/96 is what you'll need.

If your TV doesn't get those channels, you can pick up an old VCR that does get channel 95/96 from a thrift store and hook that up between the Famicom and your TV.  That's what I'm currently doing.

[mario3648]

I already have a CRT, it just doesn't pick up to the 90+ channels, but the VCR certainly does: It goes to 125...

Thanks for your help, and I'll certainly be getting a Famicom now, when I get enough money!

[Raverrevolution]

Also just be aware that on some TVs you have to manually add the channel to the lineup before you can actually tune to it.  For example on my Olevia LCD TV I hooked up cable to the receiver part and had it scan for all channels.  Once it added what it could find I disconnected it and then hooked up the Famicom and was able to tune to it.

[BossHoss]

Also just be aware that on some TVs you have to manually add the channel to the lineup before you can actually tune to it.  For example on my Olevia LCD TV I hooked up cable to the receiver part and had it scan for all channels.  Once it added what it could find I disconnected it and then hooked up the Famicom and was able to tune to it.

I've had this same experience with CRTs.  Even if the TV will only go up to the 70s or 80s or whatever when hitting Channel Up/Channel Down, if you punch in 95 or 96 on the remote, the channel will be there.  Also, some TVs will autodetect channels that have a signal on them.  So, if you hook up your Famicom and power it on, your TV may automatically add 95 or 96 to the channel roster.

VCRs are also another good option, and they have an additional use other than adding channels 95 and 96.  Due to changes in the US broadcast standard, channels in the 90s are now populated by radio stations. Some TVs will pick up these stations, seriously interfering with Famicom image quality.  Using a VCR as a pass through will avoid this interference.  I used a VCR this way in my first Famicom set up.

[zmaster18]

The channel 95/96 thing isn't completely true.

I have a little white CRT TV that has less than 60 channels that was in the family kitchen and my Famicom with RF would work on channel 16/17. If you want to get a Famicom, just try it out with all the channels. You'd be surprised what works!

However, sometimes the picture through RF would randomly get black/white or fuzzy, or start making a buzzing sound. I really recommend buying or modding a Famicom with AV output. It looks much crisper and you can adjust your TV's colors to get the optimal picture. RF just isn't reliable!!!

[hvc01]

av famicom will be easier

[Raverrevolution]

Ditto on the Famicom AV, it no where near a pain in the ass as RF is.  I'm sure someone out there can do the mod for you if you aren't confident.  We have a thread on this forum with schematics and whatnot, but we really need a step by step guide for total newbies.  I mean, what's up is easy enough to read anf figure out, but some people might not be too confident with it.  Then again it really isn't for beginners right...

[mario3648]

Actually, I have another question:

Is it possible to use an NES RF hookup, or will I have to find the Famicom's RF hookup?

[BossHoss]

Actually, I have another question:

Is it possible to use an NES RF hookup, or will I have to find the Famicom's RF hookup?

Not only is it possible, but everything I've read said it's an absolute necessity to use an NES (or Genesis, or SNES) rf switch with a Famicom.