Video and audio connections

Forums › Home Theatre (including HTPC and EPG Collector) › Video and audio connections

Rickles

3107 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 445

Trusted

#13575 18-May-2007 12:36

Can someone please tell me the correct names for a couple of plug-holes I've encountered on a (very) old VCR.

I'm assisting a friend transfer Beta tapes to DVD, and need to make up cables thus -

The video output appears to be a large version of an F-type, about 15cm in diameter, and with sharp serations on the outer edge.

The audio output looks like a DIN-socket with 5 pin-holes.

Thanks,

R.

grant_k

3539 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 124

Trusted

#71130 18-May-2007 13:04

I think that the Video Output Connector you are referring to is called a UHF connector, as per the examples here:

http://www.amphenolrf.com/search.asp?sid=464B9B007122617F&N=57+71

The Audio Connector you are referring to is a European DIN 180 degree connector which was widely used in the 70s and 80s as a way of providing Stereo Audio In and Out all on one connector. The drawback was that the individual channels were not shielded from each other as they are with RCA connectors, but nevertheless, having all the channels on one connector made for a tidy solution cable wise. In some ways, the DIN connector was the forerunner of the SCART which caters for all signals with one connector.

Rickles

3107 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 445

Trusted

#71133 18-May-2007 13:14

Hi Grant,

Yep, you are spot on with both connections .... many thanks for that. And indeed the DIN socket states that it is both IN and OUT for audio.

I'm guessing but the cost of buying plugs and fitting cable may mean simply using RF out to the DVDR will be simplest solution <bg>.

Cheers,

R.

grant_k

3539 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 124

Trusted

#71134 18-May-2007 13:22

Rickles: I'm guessing but the cost of buying plugs and fitting cable may mean simply using RF out to the DVDR will be simplest solution.

You should be able to buy the DIN connectors from Dick Smith without any problem. By doing this, you will be able to record the audio on the DVDR in Stereo, whereas if you use an RF connection solely, the audio will be Mono and probably of very low bandwidth and poor Signal-to-Noise Ratio.

Rickles

3107 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 445

Trusted

#71142 18-May-2007 13:55

Grant,

Yes, you are right which is why I've searched for cables or components .... Pudny & Lee as well as Dick Smith have 5-pin DIN to 2 X RCA plugs, so that's all good.

Looks like the easiest option for video is to use a VHF-to-BNC adaptor, then a BNC-to-RCA cable (which I fortunately already have). Dick Smith calls the VHF thingy a PL259 plug/socket (Cat No. P2240) ... would that be the beast I'm after?

Cheers,

R.

grant_k

3539 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 124

Trusted

#71152 18-May-2007 14:37

Rickles: Dick Smith calls the VHF thingy a PL259 plug/socket (Cat No. P2240) ... would that be the beast I'm after?

Yep, I just had a look at P2240 and it looks perfect for what you are wanting to do

Rickles

3107 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 445

Trusted

#72032 24-May-2007 09:32

UPDATE:

Purchased a UHF/BNC adapter, and a BNC to RCA cable from Jaycar .... took care of the video.

Purchased 5-pin DIN to two RCA plugs from Dick Smith ... sound all go.

All hooked up to DVDR and transferring Beta tapes ... amazing the quality after some 10 years or more of being in storage!

Downpoint .... damn near gave myself a hernia lifting the 1978 Sanyo Betacord VCR into lounge ... 19kg !!!

R.

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

grant_k

3539 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 124

Trusted

#72035 24-May-2007 09:51

Rickles: .... damn near gave myself a hernia lifting the 1978 Sanyo Betacord VCR into lounge ... 19kg !!!

Yep, they don't make 'em like that any more... nearly as heavy as the sacks of chook food that I regularly have to lift out of the ute

What do the Chinese-made VCRs weigh these days? Maybe 5kg if you are lucky I would think. They certainly wouldn't still be working after almost 30 years. The last VCR we bought was a Panasonic (made in Malaysia I think) and it lasted just over the 2 year warranty period before dying. Mind you it only cost $179 I think it was, so you get what you pay for. Whereas the Panasonic made in Japan VCR that we bought about 10 years ago for $700 or so is still working perfectly.

Good to hear the cable hookup worked for you