Coax to RCA inputs?

[BigFatCow]

I have a cable box that only outputs standard coax, i want to hook it up to my Surround sound, the only way i can do that is with RCA. Does anyone know if there is such a thing as a Coax to RCA converter? I know theres plenty of RCA to coax converters, but i need the opposite.

edit: getting a new cable box isnt an option.

 

[aircooled]

Swap your cable box for one with better outputs.

 

[Sphexi]

It's called a tuner...or a de-modulator. It's basically what's built-in to your TV or cable-box...I would say upgrade your cable-box, likely your cable company will let you do it for free and it'd be easier than getting more hardware.

 

[BigFatCow]

Originally posted by: aircooled
Swap your cable box for one with better outputs.

not possible... I live in Japan on a military base and only one company sells cable to the barracks.

Should have put that in the OP.

 

[Sphexi]

You could try running it through a VCR first...coax into the VCR, then the RCA outputs from that to your TV and surround sound system. The tuner in the VCR will do the de-modulation of the coax signal, so you'd have to change channels through that, but it should work.

 

[BigFatCow]

Originally posted by: Sphexi
You could try running it through a VCR first...coax into the VCR, then the RCA outputs from that to your TV and surround sound system. The tuner in the VCR will do the de-modulation of the coax signal, so you'd have to change channels through that, but it should work.

thats a good idea, but i dont have a VCR, would rather not buy one either, would never use it. Is there a small box i can buy that will do the same thing for cheap? Or if possible just a little adapter.

 

[Sphexi]

Originally posted by: BigFatCow

Originally posted by: Sphexi
You could try running it through a VCR first...coax into the VCR, then the RCA outputs from that to your TV and surround sound system. The tuner in the VCR will do the de-modulation of the coax signal, so you'd have to change channels through that, but it should work.

thats a good idea, but i dont have a VCR, would rather not buy one either, would never use it. Is there a small box i can buy that will do the same thing for cheap? Or if possible just a little adapter.

No. Coax signal is modulated, as in audio and video is converted to a single signal and sent down the cable. At the other end is a de-modulator, which splits the signals back up into baseband video and line-level audio (RCA/composite), it's basically the tuner in your TV. There is no little adapter that'll do it, any kind of box will cost at least $50 and I haven't seen them sold in a few years. Radioshack had one like 8 or so years back, doesn't exist anymore now. You're either going to have to buy a cheap/used VCR, or bite the bullet and stick with standard audio.

 

[BigFatCow]

Originally posted by: Sphexi

Originally posted by: BigFatCow

Originally posted by: Sphexi
You could try running it through a VCR first...coax into the VCR, then the RCA outputs from that to your TV and surround sound system. The tuner in the VCR will do the de-modulation of the coax signal, so you'd have to change channels through that, but it should work.

thats a good idea, but i dont have a VCR, would rather not buy one either, would never use it. Is there a small box i can buy that will do the same thing for cheap? Or if possible just a little adapter.

No. Coax signal is modulated, as in audio and video is converted to a single signal and sent down the cable. At the other end is a de-modulator, which splits the signals back up into baseband video and line-level audio (RCA/composite), it's basically the tuner in your TV. There is no little adapter that'll do it, any kind of box will cost at least $50 and I haven't seen them sold in a few years. Radioshack had one like 8 or so years back, doesn't exist anymore now. You're either going to have to buy a cheap/used VCR, or bite the bullet and stick with standard audio.

sounds good, I can probally get a VCR cheaper than one of those boxes then. I guess ill start lookin for a cheap VCR.

Thanks for all the help.

 

[I Saw OJ]

I go a de-modulator from radio shack about 2 years ago for around 30 bucks, it works pretty well. I bet you could check ebay for some cheap used ones


Seth

 

[Sphexi]

Originally posted by: I Saw OJ
I go a de-modulator from radio shack about 2 years ago for around 30 bucks, it works pretty well. I bet you could check ebay for some cheap used ones


Seth

You're probably thinking of their RF Modulator, a de-modulator is a fair bit more, and they haven't carried one for at least 5 years.