Have you ever wanted to connect a really old gaming console to your Sony PVM? For example, the Atari 2600 console has native RF video and audio output only. How would you go about converting that RF signal into something a Pro CRT can use, like composite video? The Sony TU-1041U is a good option.
The TU-1041U is a tuner unit from Sony that converts an incoming RF signal into composite video and stereo audio. The tuner accepts VHF & UHF signals. The RF input signal comes in via a coax input. The video signal is output from the device in the form of BNC, while the audio uses RCA connections. The device is easy to setup and use. It has a front readout displaying the current channel and channels are easily changed using the front button panel or remote control.
The TU-1041U was specifically manufactured to accompany Sony’s 8″/9″ PVM and BVM CRTs. It is designed to sit directly under the CRT monitor. The TU-1041U has the same variety of power options as the portable PVMs, offering additional battery support and 12 volt DC XLR power support with the standard AC input.
The tuner is heavy duty with an extremely high build quality. The case is metal. Inside the TU-1041U are five circuit boards. There is the front button board, the power supply, the RF tuner board, the video board, and the video out board. You also have the battery bay. This picture labels each of these boards.
If you have any issues with your TU-1041U not powering on, check this fuse on the G Board (Power Supply) and check these capacitors.
If you have issues with video output or video quality, check these capacitors on the Video Board first and then these capacitors on the Tuner Board.
The Sony TU-1041U can be used with any NTSC display that has a composite video input. The manual states that the device is designed for the American TV Standard, so expect this device to only work with NTSC signals. The Sony TU-1041U is perfect to use with a workbench PVM/BVM for testing RF hardware and for anyone still wanting to use RF devices in their original form. Here are some pictures of the TU-1041U in use.
