Hi, I just got this Zenith TV which appears to be from the early 60s:

http://afinch.com/client/tv/tv.png

I don't see any identifying marks except "16G27" written inside the case. It turns on, I am feeding it a signal from my blu-ray player through a radioshack RF modulator, I have played with all the available settings (fringe lock, vert size, vert lin, AGC, horiz lock, vert lock, contrast, brightness) and this seems to be the best picture I can get out of it:

http://afinch.com/client/tv/screen.png

here is roughly what the signal should be (sony blu-ray menu):
http://afinch.com/client/tv/signal.png

I would like to know what the problem is and how I can fix it. I am attempting to use it as a prop in a movie. Thanks!

You seem to be set to channel 2 in the first picture. You need to use channel 3 or 4, whichever your modulator puts out.

And I presume that you're aware of the fine tuning knob? (I know this is pretty obvious, but if you haven't worked with TVs older than the 1980s, this is something you might not be aware of.)

It does look like the fine tuning is off.

Have you tried changing the channel on the RF modulator to 4 (and the TV channel to 4)? Also the fine tuning ring on the TV around the channel selector could be all you need to tweak. You didn't mention that, so I thought I would, just in case.

Can you find a VCR and a tape to use instead of a Blu-Ray? Also make sure the balun (that twin-lead to screw-on F connector adapter for cable) is working and connected to the screw terminals on the back.

Yep, I did not realize that was a fine tuning ring, looks fantastic now, thanks a lot.

Nice when the fix is something simple. :)

Please don't randomly adjust all the controls on the back of the set.