Introduction: TV Out With Arduino
This Instructable is for those who would like to use your Arduino to output to a TV. Granted the Arduino is only powerful enough to produce a black and white picture it can still be fun to play with and useful for some projects.
Step 1: Item List
Things you will need:
Hardware
- Arduino
- A TV
- A Protoboard or PCB
- 2 Resistors
1x 470 ohm ( Yellow, Violet, Brown )
1x 1k ohm ( Brown, Black, Red )
- 2x 2-Pin headers ( Only 3 are used but the 4th helps with stability )
- Spare RCA cord you don't mind cutting up
Software
- Arduino Software ( http://arduino.cc/en/Main/Software )
- The TVout library ( http://code.google.com/p/arduino-tvout/ )
Step 2: Assembly
Ok I had already made this connector piece before I decided to make an Instructable.. And I apologize for the poor quality of the images, my cell phone's camera isn't the best but I think you'll get the point.
I got this schematic from the TVout Libraries Google code website: http://code.google.com/p/arduino-tvout/
Step 3: Programming
Now for the fun part... Programming...
When it comes to the TVout Library there is a new version but it's still in beta and I've found it to be buggy so I just use the R5.91 release ( http://code.google.com/p/arduino-tvout/downloads/detail?name=TVout_R5.91.zip&can=2&q= )
I'm assuming you have a basic knowledge of Arduino programming so I won't go into too much detail here.. For a complete list of commands for the TVout Library go here ( http://code.google.com/p/arduino-tvout/wiki/FDcomplete )
Attachments
Step 4: Finished Product
Now this is just the start... There is so many possibilities with this, One website really shows how the Arduino can be used as a game console ( http://nootropicdesign.com/hackvision/games.html )
Also I plan on releasing more projects to further explore uses of the Arduino and TVout library

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64 Comments
4 years ago
i HAVE DOWNLOADED THE LIBRARY TODAY AND I AM EXPLORING THIS BECAUSE THE EXEMPLES ARE VERY LONG AND THIS ARE SIMPLE .
THANCKS.
4 years ago
Can i get a link to buy that screen?
6 years ago
How can I get the bitmap converted into arduino readable file?
6 years ago
That is great. I am going to try it
6 years ago
I'm having troubles using this library. I use DHT22 sensor and BMP180 sensor. When i call read function of each sensor it returns me nonsense(DHT22 sensor says it's -999 % humidity and barometric sensor says it's 0 degrees C and 2.34 hPa pressure). Can anyone help me? I would appreciate any advice.
6 years ago
Guys how about the input of the message? does it by manual input using keyboard? or by sending message through cellphones?
6 years ago
is this compatible with arduino mega 2560?
6 years ago
hi sir...what pin should I use if I'm using arduino mega 2560?..
7 years ago
it isnt working it shows
Arduino: 1.6.8 (Windows 7), Board: "Arduino/Genuino Uno"
C:\Users\Mohit\Documents\Arduino\sketch_mar29d\sketch_mar29d.ino:1:19: fatal error: TVout.h: No such file or directory
#include <TVout.h>
^
compilation terminated.
exit status 1
Error compiling for board Arduino/Genuino Uno.
This report would have more information with
"Show verbose output during compilation"
option enabled in File -> Preferences.
Reply 6 years ago
Have u added the library?
Reply 7 years ago
I had that same problem to begin with. The way they constructed the code for the examples seems to be a bit wanky, I ended up locating that file as well as the FONT files and copying them to the first subdirectory under Libary. Worked after that.
7 years ago
cara downloadna kumaha brayyyy
7 years ago
where is the code i cant find which code to use
Reply 7 years ago
It is in the .ino file which will automatically be opened by arduino.
7 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing the good experience for me. I am just step into beginner stage. Hope many of us are happy with your support on Arduino work.
7 years ago
Thanks for this it was easy and fun to make and play with.
7 years ago
It would be nice to use it for Arduino Oscilloscope on that screen.
7 years ago
I have a mac and I don't know how to download the library? Can some one please help
8 years ago
Does the 470ohm resistor have to be exactly that? because I am having a hard time finding that and I don't really want to buy one because radio shack is really far away. If it doesn't then what's the best repacement.
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
No it doesn't need to be exact, I put two 330ohm in parallel with one 330ohm in series with them. and it works just fine. ( although i think with 470 the image would be better!)