GE 87631 RF Modulator Channel 3/4 Converter — main product image

GE 87631 RF Modulator Channel 3/4 Converter

GE 87631 RF Modulator Channel 3/4 Converter

Name: GE 87631 RF Modulator Channel 3/4 Converter
Brand: GE
SKU: 87631

★★★★★3.3 (6 reviews)

Plug your classic A/V gear into any coax-only TV with this simple RCA-to-coaxial converter.

$34.98*

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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The GE 87631 RF Modulator solves a very specific problem: you have a device with RCA outputs (composite video and stereo audio) and a TV that only accepts a coaxial cable input. This is a common situation when connecting retro gaming consoles, older DVD players, VCRs, or security cameras to vintage televisions or basic displays that lack modern input options. Instead of replacing the TV or rigging up a chain of adapters, the RF modulator takes your red, white, and yellow RCA cables in one side and sends a clean coaxial signal out the other on your choice of channel 3 or 4.

The unit itself is compact and unassuming — a small box with RCA inputs, a coaxial output, and a channel selector switch. Setup is about as simple as consumer electronics gets: plug in your source device's RCA cables, connect a coaxial cable to your TV, flip the switch to channel 3 or 4, and tune your TV to that channel. There's no menu to navigate, no remote to pair, and no firmware to update. The build quality is basic but functional, which is appropriate for a utility device that typically sits behind a TV and never gets touched again. For anyone maintaining a retro gaming setup, keeping an old VCR operational, or connecting legacy equipment in a commercial or educational setting, the GE 87631 is a reliable and inexpensive bridge between generations of A/V technology.

Key Features

Converts Video & Stereo Audio From Any A/v Component Into A Coaxial Cable Output

Eliminates The Need To Continually Connect & Disconnect Equipment

Selectable Channel 3 Or 4 Output

Great for all your needs

Great for all your appliances needs

Specifications

Brand

Model

87631

Function

Converts Video & Stereo Audio to Coaxial Output

Input

RCA Composite Video + Stereo Audio

Output

Coaxial Cable (RF)

Output Channel

Selectable Channel 3 or 4

Compatibility

A/V Components with RCA Connections

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Instantly connects any RCA-output device to coax-only TVs without buying a new television or adapter chain
Channel 3/4 selector lets you avoid interference from local broadcast stations in your area
Eliminates the hassle of constantly swapping cables when connecting and disconnecting different A/V components
Straightforward plug-and-play setup with no software, drivers, or configuration menus

👎 Cons

Converting composite video to coaxial introduces slight signal degradation compared to a direct RCA connection
Only useful for TVs limited to coaxial input — unnecessary if your TV has RCA, HDMI, or other modern inputs
Adds another device and power cable to your entertainment setup, which can contribute to cable clutter
Does not upscale or convert to HD — output remains standard definition regardless of source quality

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does this RF modulator do?

It takes the standard RCA video and stereo audio outputs from devices like DVD players, game consoles, or VCRs and converts them into a coaxial cable signal on channel 3 or 4. This lets you connect older A/V equipment to TVs that only have a coaxial input.

Will this work with my old gaming consoles like a Nintendo 64 or original PlayStation?

Yes, as long as your console outputs composite video and stereo audio via RCA cables (the red, white, and yellow plugs). Connect those into the RF modulator, then run a coaxial cable from the modulator to your TV and tune to channel 3 or 4.

Does this improve picture or sound quality?

No — the RF modulator converts the signal, it doesn't enhance it. You'll get the same quality as your source device outputs. In fact, converting from composite to coaxial can introduce slight signal degradation compared to a direct RCA connection, so use it only when coaxial is your only input option.

Do I need to switch between channel 3 and 4 manually?

There's a selectable switch on the modulator that lets you choose either channel 3 or channel 4 for output. Pick whichever channel isn't used by a local broadcast station in your area to avoid interference, then leave it set.

Does this require its own power source?

Yes, most RF modulators including this GE model require an external power connection to convert the signal. Check the included contents for the power adapter.