Getting an old NES to work on a modern TV

Abe Sargent · 08-15-2012, 09:43 AM

Anyone know how to get an old NES system to work on a 2012 model of a TV? I got the AV cables to work, but all I get is a purple screen when I turn on the NES, and I know the NES works, because I used it on my old TV back in Michigan as recently as three months ago - plus I have two NES systems and both have the purple screens when turned on with a game inside. I was just wondering if anyone here had any experience with that sort of thing, thanks!!!

Sun Tzu · 08-15-2012, 09:49 AM

You're going to have to pick up an RF modulator. I'm pretty sure Radio Shack sells them for relatively cheap. You'll need to use your old original coaxial input from the NES into the modulator, and from there you can run just plain old composite cables into the TV.

You should be able to pick up one of these bad boys for around $10. Once you get one of these, I give your NES a 99% likelihood of working fabulously on your new fangled picture box.

SackAttack · 08-15-2012, 09:50 AM

I think it probably has something to do with the tuner.

I have a toploading NES that works on older TVs, but when I hook it up to the RF switch of my 32" flat panel, I get bupkis.

As best as I can figure, it's because the TV's tuner is digital, not analog.

sterlingice · 08-15-2012, 09:56 AM

There's also the option of picking up an old VCR and running it through that, converting your analog coax to RCA (Red-White-Yellow) if your current tv has that

SI

08-15-2012, 09:49 AM	#2
Sun Tzu Pro Starter Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: In the thick of it.	You're going to have to pick up an RF modulator. I'm pretty sure Radio Shack sells them for relatively cheap. You'll need to use your old original coaxial input from the NES into the modulator, and from there you can run just plain old composite cables into the TV. You should be able to pick up one of these bad boys for around $10. Once you get one of these, I give your NES a 99% likelihood of working fabulously on your new fangled picture box. Last edited by Sun Tzu : 08-15-2012 at 09:50 AM.

08-15-2012, 09:56 AM	#4
sterlingice Hall Of Famer Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Back in Houston!	There's also the option of picking up an old VCR and running it through that, converting your analog coax to RCA (Red-White-Yellow) if your current tv has that SI __________________ Houston Hippopotami, III.3: 20th Anniversary Thread - All former HT players are encouraged to check it out! Janos: "Only America could produce an imbecile of your caliber!" Freakazoid: "That's because we make lots of things better than other people!"

08-15-2012, 09:50 AM	#3
SackAttack Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Green Bay, WI	I think it probably has something to do with the tuner. I have a toploading NES that works on older TVs, but when I hook it up to the RF switch of my 32" flat panel, I get bupkis. As best as I can figure, it's because the TV's tuner is digital, not analog.

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