Bring back a legendary vintage television from the space age!

This guide walks through how convert a classic RF CRT TV into a monitor for Raspberry Pi or any desktop computer.

With a couple cables and a signal boosting box, you can output the signal from just about any computer to the JVC Videosphere.

We'll cover which parts are needed as well as how to wire and set up the cables and parts to output most computer displays to the Videosphere.

This setup could work for other RF TV CRT models with similar input, but we've only tested the Videosphere.

Parts

To find a Videosphere, check out Ebay or other online marketplaces. There are lots of great 70's vintage choices from Ebay user robertom60

Here's a manual for the Videosphere for further specs and info.

Converters and cables

1 x RF Modulator
Converts the video signal from the Pi / computer to RF signal
1 x RCA Matching Transformer
Connect the coaxial cable to the Videosphere
1 x RG 6 Coaxial Cable
Connect the RF modulator to the transformer

For Raspberry Pi output

You can use any Pi, here are couple options with their respective power supplies

Angled shot of Raspberry Pi 4
NOTE: Due to stock limitations we may only be able to offer refunds or store credit for Pis that are defective, damaged or lost in transit.The Raspberry Pi...
Out of Stock
Angled shot of Official Raspberry Pi Power Supply 5.1V 3A with USB C with Power plug facing down.
The official Raspberry Pi USB-C power supply is here! And of course, we have 'em in classic Adafruit black! Superfast with just the right amount of cable length to get your Pi 4...
$7.95
In Stock
Angled shot of Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B.
NOTE: Due to stock limitations we may only be able to offer refunds or store credit for Pis that are defective, damaged or lost in transit.Did you really...
Out of Stock
5V 2.5A Switching Power Supply with 20AWG MicroUSB Cable
Our all-in-one 5V 2.5 Amp + MicroUSB cable power adapter is the perfect choice for powering single-board computers like Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, or anything else that's...
$8.25
In Stock
Angled shot of a A/V and RCA (Composite Video, Audio) Cable for Raspberry Pi.
This A/V RCA Cable for Raspberry Pi is a great way to turn your Pi 3, 2, A+ or B+'s output into a full on composite video and audio device.  Simply connect the cable to your...
$4.95
In Stock

For laptop or desktop computer output

You will need some way of converting your computer's display output to HDMI. Note that if you use a Pi 4, you'll need the Micro HDMI to HDMI cable, the Pi 3 and older all use a standard size connector. If you use a Mac, please read up on how to cable to an HDMI connector as it can vary.

Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable - 2 meter
Connect an HDMI device with a micro HDMI port to one with a regular size HDMI port together with this basic HDMI cable. It has nice molded grips for easy installation, and is 2 meter...
$8.95
In Stock
Official Raspberry Pi HDMI Cable - 1 meter
Connect two HDMI devices together with this basic HDMI cable. It has nice molded grips for easy installation, and is 1 meter long (about 3 feet). This is a HDMI 1.3...
$4.95
In Stock
HDMI to RCA Audio and NTSC or PAL Video Adapter
Do you have a display, television, projector or some other older device that isn't compatible with your HDMI devices? Here's an adapter that will allow you to convert HDMI...
$13.95
In Stock

You'll also need

1 x RCA to RCA cable
Connect HDMI adapter to RF modulator

This guide was first published on Nov 06, 2019. It was last updated on Oct 29, 2019.

This page (Overview) was last updated on Oct 29, 2019.

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