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If possible, don't use the RF (coaxial) output of the VCR to feed the monitors. You'll get much better quality using composite video and line level audio (RCA plugs). Using composite video should really help the "static" and "ghosting".

When the monitors are fed "video black level", do you see the "funky green glow"? If so, the internal bias settings on the CRT probably need adjusting. Some older monitors had screwdriver-adjustable pots on the back to set the gains and screen voltages to get neutral blacks and whites. Don't adjust them unless you know what you are doing.

Magnetic interference usually causes a color purity problem, visible as uneven color on saturated colors (e.g., with a red screen, you see "blotches" of other colors). If the monitor's internal degausing coils are not doing an adequate job of demagnetizing the CRT, buy a TV degausing coil at Radio Shack to do it manually.

If you see color fringes on lettering or the edges of objects, you may need to have the convergence adjusted.

You're not alone in having poor video presentation. I almost never see a decent quality picture on commercial large-screen or video wall presentations, as theatres and sports bars just don't seem to have the time or money to maintain them properly. Contrary to the hype, maintaining good video presentation in a commercial setting takes real knowledge and effort.

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VHS RULEZ!!!!!!

Joe, what model of VCR do you have that has component output? The quality of a standard VHS tape can't look that much better using component, since it is so bad to begin with.

Sure, I use component output from my DVD.

BTW, I bought a pair of AA-II's from the Riviera Theatre in Rochester before it was torn down. They now happily reside in Kodak's 2200 seat "Theater on the Ridge", and are used for employee movie nights. Unfortunately, the last 70mm print we screened was "Far and Away".

We've just installed a new 25 X 63 foot Harkness Hall screen, and use this huge theatre as a laboratory to develop new technology to "Enhance the Theatrical Experience". The theatre was just used for the annual Kodak stockholder's meeting yesterday, May 10.

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John P. Pytlak, Senior Technical Specialist
Worldwide Technical Services, Entertainment Imaging
Eastman Kodak Company
Research Labs, Building 69, Room 7419
Rochester, New York, 14650-1922 USA
Tel: 716-477-5325 Fax: 716-722-7243
E-Mail: john.pytlak@kodak.com

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What a night. My Projectionist called in sick. My concessionist called in sick, and Ky called in sick. So we are doing a Thursday night changeover with just two people in the theatre. However, it is slow enough to answer this question.

First off, one should never use VHS for a repeating video display. The tape wears out in about 25 passes. We always tried to use Laser Disc or DVD.

Secondly, you should use the highest quality signal line available, whether that's composite or S-video or component.

Lecture over! I assume you don't want to rip it out and start over. Nor do you want to throw oodles of money at it.

I have had to run RF and learn to love it. You can use the TV speakers and not run an amp and separate speakers. Go to Radio Shack and buy an RF Amp / Splitter(about $35). Install it right in the back of the VCR. See if that reduces some of you problems. Bring in another VCR from home and try it out. The fist one may have a problem.

The interference you see on the second TV may be reduced somewhat by the Amp. Try to move the signal cable to a different location to lessen the interference. If you can, run a second video line from the Amp / Splitter to the second TV. This is called a "Home Run" wire. All wires should be "Home Run" instead of in a loop. Surround wires included.

If all else fails, and you can't fix it, feature it.

Read that any way you wish...

I went into Sears the other day and asked the seedy salesman "I need a VCR for my bathroom, so I can watch high quality VHS movies from high quality places like Blockbuster while I'm doing my business." The salesperson said "No problem, this unit is on sale today for only $99!" It was a great price. The VCR is made by Emerson. It has component video output(s), Dolby Digital out (they found a way to record and compress it to the linear track), S-Video, composite, RF, and even twin lead outputs! The unit kicks ass! It won't play S-VHS tapes. But boy, those rental tapes from Blockbuster sure look good! I didn't think VHS could get any better! Why would anyone need 70mm when they can have VHS for cheap and RENT the movies?

Of course, I am kidding!