Trying to run the Atari through the computer

[humboldtkid]

This might sound insane, but there is a reason.

 

I"m trying to hook up the Atari 2600 through the computer. My first attempt was to run it through a VCR and then convert the RCA signal the digital. As of right now, I'm having trouble getting the first conversion, from Atari through VCR to work. Right now it is giving me an incredibly shaky picture with tons of scan lines, although I can still see that the game is there, and play the game, albeit not very well.

 

The problem may be that I am sending the signal out to a projector, but I read here in the forums that I need to hook it up to the VCR to get the RF modulator to convert the signal.

 

Has anyone else been able to overcome problems attempting to project the image?

 

Also, if I am able to convert it to RCA and then convert it to digital, will there be any problems manipulating the image in the computer?

 

Thanks,

Dustin

[Lord Thag]

You can mod the system for A/V, or have it modded. It will work fine on a projector.

 

 

You're not using an old switchbox, are you? That could be a problem if you are.

[nathanallan]

You may want to get a tv capture card for the computer and skip the VCR, unless you want to record gameplay. Afaik, the cards' software packages offer lots of options for manipulating the image, including scan rates and things like that. Not sure how this works for a 2600. A lot of those cards also have line-out so you can still use the projector. Hope this helps.

 

Nathan

[tyranthraxus]

I've never attempted what you're doing but I have had success digitally recording old home videos on Hi8 by connecting the Hi8 camera to the VCR then connecting RCAs to a DV camera which has a FireWire to the computer. I can't see why a similar setup

wouldn't work for an Atari. Are you using a tv switch box? That could be the problem. It might work better if you mod your

Atari with RCA jacks which several people on the net can do for a reasonable price if you're not up to it.

 

Alternatively couldn't you accomplish what you're doing by running an emulator on your computer?