Connecting Rorschach: CRT TVs, Modern Displays, and Video Setups

Connecting Rorschach: From CRTs to Modern Workflows

 

One of the most common questions we’re asked about Rorschach is how to connect it to different setups - from vintage CRT televisions to modern screens, projectors, and computer-based workflows.

Rorschach is a hybrid analog video synthesizer that generates its own visuals internally and outputs a black and white composite video signal via a single RCA connection. it produces a standard 1V composite signal designed to work reliably with both analog and digital display environments.

This guide outlines the simplest and most effective ways to connect, view, and record Rorschach, using accessible and affordable tools.

Understanding Rorschach’s Video Output

Rorschach outputs:

• Composite video (RCA)
• Black and white
• Standard 1V composite signal
• PAL or NTSC, depending on the version selected

Although Rorschach uses a digitally programmed microcontroller internally to generate control patterns, the video signal itself is fully analog, shaped by continuous voltages and analog circuitry before being output as composite video. This hybrid approach allows for stability and repeatability while retaining the character and behavior of analog video synthesis.

 

Connecting Rorschach to a CRT Television

Using Rorschach with a CRT TV is the most direct and immediate setup.

What you need:

• An RCA composite cable
• A CRT television with a composite input

Simply connect Rorschach’s RCA output directly to the TV. CRTs display composite video natively, without scaling or digital processing, making them ideal for experimenting with analog visuals. Small consumer CRTs work just as well as larger studio monitors, and the interaction between the analog signal and the phosphor display is a big part of the experience.

Or you may only have a SCART input on your CRT, for this you simply need an adaptor like the one in the below photo, which can be purchase for approx. £3:

 

If your CRT is like mine, it may not have an RCA or SCART input, and you may need to use the RF aerial input to send the Rorschach signal into it, for this I use a cheep AV to RF converter which can be purchase for approx. £9, see the below video:

Connecting Rorschach to Modern TVs and Projectors

Many modern TVs and projectors no longer include composite inputs, but Rorschach can still be used easily.

Typical setup:

• AV-to-HDMI converter
• HDMI input on a TV or projector

Basic, inexpensive converters are usually sufficient, the one we use costs approx. £4-£5. Because Rorschach outputs a stable, standard composite signal, there’s no need for broadcast-grade conversion hardware unless your setup specifically requires it. Some converters introduce scaling artefacts or latency, but these often add character rather than causing problems.

Capturing Rorschach on a Computer

To view or record Rorschach on a computer, we use an AV-to-HDMI Converter (approx. £5), but because the HDMI port on a computer is usually only an output, you’ll also need a USB video capture device, the one we use cost approx. £8. See the below video demo:

Signal chain:

• Rorschach → RCA composite cable → AV to HDMI converter → HDMI cable → USB capture device → computer

Once connected, Rorschach appears as a standard video source to your operating system and software. 

Viewing and Recording with Free Software

You don’t need expensive or specialist software to work with Rorschach digitally.

VLC Media Player

VLC Media Player is free, cross-platform, and surprisingly capable. It can:

• Preview live composite video from capture devices
  
• Record sessions directly to disk
  
• Capture long improvisations with minimal setup

For documentation, archiving, or quick recordings, VLC is often all you need.

TouchDesigner (Free for Non-Commercial Use)

TouchDesigner is a powerful visual programming environment and is free for non-commercial use. It’s an excellent companion to Rorschach if you want to:

• Capture and process the analog output
• Combine Rorschach with generative or interactive visuals
  
• Create hybrid feedback systems
  
• Record performances or installations

You don’t need deep TouchDesigner knowledge to get started - simply capturing and routing video opens up a lot of possibilities.

Using Rorschach with Resolume Arena and VJ Software

Rorschach integrates smoothly into live visual setups alongside software such as Resolume Arena.

Once captured via a USB device, the video can be routed into Resolume like any other live source. From there, you can:

• Mix Rorschach with digital clips
  
• Apply effects and layering
  
• Record live sets or performances

Rorschach remains fully analog at its core - the software simply extends how and where its output can be used.

You Don’t Need Expensive Converters or Software

A key part of Rorschach’s design is accessibility. It doesn’t require:

• Specialist broadcast hardware
  
• Proprietary capture devices
  
• Paid software subscriptions
  

Simple converters, basic capture devices, and free software are enough to explore a wide range of workflows. This keeps the focus on hands-on visual synthesis, rather than infrastructure.

Choosing PAL or NTSC

Although Rorschach is black and white, PAL and NTSC still differ in timing and sync. For best results, choose the video standard that matches the first device you’ll be connecting to - especially CRT TVs, analog mixers, or capture devices. If you are unsure about the video standard in your region, the map on this Wikipedia page may be useful: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PAL 

Final Thoughts

Rorschach is designed to sit comfortably between vintage analog displays and modern digital workflows. Whether you’re running it straight into a CRT, capturing it for recording, or integrating it into live visual software, the setup is simple, flexible, and affordable.

Start with a basic signal chain, then expand as curiosity takes over, that’s exactly how Rorschach is meant to be used.