Expert: Octane - 9/28/2009

Question
Dear Octane,
    Hello there.  When I connect my Super Nintendo/Nintendo 64 console to my tv and turn it on, nothing happens.

    I plug the red/white/yellow into the corresponding jacks; connect the coax cable to the back of the tv; turn the tv to channel 3; flip the li'l switch and I get 'nothing'! ! !  I mean, the power light on the console comes 'on', but 'nothing' happens on the tv.  The screen doesn't turn black/blue, or anything! ! !  Is there something that I'm 'not' doing? ? ?  

    I do hope that this question isn't outside your realm of knowledge, cuz I don't know jack about the consoles! ! !


Thank You,
Shannon

Answer
Gday Shannon,

Hopefully it just your not connecting it up properly. Do you have an AV box as your description is alittle confusing?

Both the SNES and N64 can use the RCA Jack connector you have.  You simply have to connect the RCA jack (Yellow, Red, White) into one of the TV inputs.  (Usually the there are usually labeled as AV)  Then connect the black connector into the Back of the SNES/N64.  You then have to change the TV input to the corresponding AV input.  (Usually on the remote/TV it will have a Input or AV button)  Once this is on the Console should send out a signal and you should get something on the TV.

If you definitely have it on the right channel even if the Consoles are not working properly you should get some sort of a flicker once the console is turned on.  And having both a SNES and N64 one of then should show something.  If not then maybe the AV cord is broken and needs replacing.

If you are using a AV box.  You need to connect the SNES/N64 AV cable to the AV box.  Then connect the Cable connector from the AV box (Output as there probably is 2 and input %26 output) to the back of the TV.  Make sure the AV box switch is on Channel 3 or 4. Then turn the TV to the corresponding channel.  Double check as some AV boxes require some sort of power as well.  You should then have a picture once the SNES/N64 is turned on.

If not then it could be the AV cable from the N64/SNES again or maybe the AV Box that is at fault.

Hope this helps you out.

Octane