Trying to get the best video quality with my consoles (and other problems)

[markusman64ds]

I might get it anyway, just to see how it works. If it works the way I want it too, then it stays. If it doesn't work the way I want, I could always sell it. I know a collector around my area who would enjoy owning one.
2012-06-18 14.27.30.jpg
Next, I am looking to fix my C64 keyboard. I already said this, but when I found it for such a low price I got excited and dropped it. One of the keys broke off. I still have the key, so is it easy to repair? Would some glue do the job?

[markusman64ds]

And because it's interesting, what would the best video be on my systems if I DID mod them?

[theclaw]

N64 some models can do RGB. 3DO also has ways AFAIK.

Turbografx is perhaps where this mode pays off most relative to effort. All the way from RF to RGB. If PC Engine is any indication, it should make a serious contender against the good Neo Geo revisions in video purity when done correct.

[markusman64ds]

I got a message back from the guy selling the X'Eye. He said that the power adapter is not original but comes from retrogamecave.com. Is this a good site for replacement adapters?

[APE992]

N64 some models can do RGB. 3DO also has ways AFAIK.

Turbografx is perhaps where this mode pays off most relative to effort. All the way from RF to RGB. If PC Engine is any indication, it should make a serious contender against the good Neo Geo revisions in video purity when done correct.

Getting composite out of a TG-16 isn't difficult (just two wires and a connector) but there is an annoying hum bar that rolls up the scroll at a slow rate. Not sure if it exists on all models but each one that I've handled has had it.

As for the N64 only models sporting the NUS-CPU-03 and NUS-CPU-04 boards are RGB moddable. They aren't incredibly rare by any means but you'll have to do some searching to find them. I've been stock piling them for a while now and have no less than 6 in this room with 7 and 8 on their way.

[theclaw]

Maybe that has something to do with an unclear difference between TG-16 and Japanese consoles? I've never looked into it. Don't ATM have any NEC unit on hand. Despite keeping some games and a controller for a rainy day.

[markusman64ds]

Ok, I tried my systems with another TV I have. They all work fine with that, so I'm gonna use it from now on. It's a 32" RCA LCD TV. It's smaller, but more compatible. Plus it has an s-video input.

So that X'Eye power supply I'm getting will work ok, right?

[markusman64ds]

The small TV is getting annoying. It's not as good as the 50" one. I'm thinking that an RF to composite converter might make the Intellivision work better. Would it? Also, would an S-video to composite converter keep the video at S-video quality?

[APE992]

The small TV is getting annoying. It's not as good as the 50" one. I'm thinking that an RF to composite converter might make the Intellivision work better. Would it? Also, would an S-video to composite converter keep the video at S-video quality?

Nope. It'll look worse than it did on the smaller TV. Every time you convert a signal the quality degrades.

The only thing you can do with the Intellvision is to get an composite video mod done so you can use it without an adapter on the 50" screen.

Alternatively:
http://gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:intellivision_pal

This might be useful on a NTSC console. There is a schematic for RGB output which you could then use with an upscaler to use component video with. Wouldn't look half bad.

[markusman64ds]

The X'Eye works fine. The video cables it came with aren't working though. They look fine, but they show no picture and play no sound. It has yellow, red, and white cables.

The video cables I already had came with the 32X, which I got pretty much brand new. It's only yellow and white cables, and they work fine with my Master System, but when I play on my Genesis/X'Eye the image flashes in certain situations. Not all the time, just sometimes. Like in Sonic & Knuckles it only flashes on the opening logos and when it shows the level name. But with Earthworm Jim, it doesn't flash on the menus or when the level name is shown, but flashes every other time. It doesn't make the screen completely white, it's more like someone was turning the brightness up and down.

[markusman64ds]

I just tried the Genesis video cables that kept flashing on the LCD on a CRT. They work fine there. It was then that I also remembered how good stuff looks on a CRT. I started wondering, would a projector with a lot of video inputs be a good alternative to a CRT? Do they work similar and have no lag?

Only problem there is where to put the Wii sensor bar or the Kinect sensor. Maybe a little shelf?

[markusman64ds]

Thinking about RGB again. Is this a good eBay store for cables?

http://www.ebay.ca/sch/retro_console...&_trksid=p3686

It looks okay. This would be the converter I'm gonna use.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/NEW-SCART-RGB...item3362ac07d1

I read that European and Japanese SCART cables are wired differently. Does that converter use European or Japanese SCART?

I also got component for Wii and HDMI for 360.

[APE992]

They're an OK ebay store. The converter probably uses European SCART cables but if it doesn't the cables can be easily rewired to work.

Keep in mind that NTSC GameCubes and N64s don't output RGB natively. If you're going to use a Wii then you don't need to worry about GameCube games but I do have a few RGB modded N64s if you're planning on playing Mario Kart or the like. 3DOs also need to be modded for RGB IIRC.

[markusman64ds]

But I'm trying to do it without modding my systems.

Instead of a projector I might try to find a flat screen HD CRT. They seem great for gaming. I'm just not sure if they made them flat screen.

Also, when using the component cables on the Wii, whenever a white screen like the Wii menu comes up, the top looks kinda fuzzy. Is this the TV?

2012-07-04 09.06.40.jpg2012-07-04 09.06.08.jpg2012-07-04 09.05.57.jpg

[theclaw]

It seems to me large amounts of white or certain other colors are a problem. On my CRT with your above linked converter I can get Sega Genesis screen rolling over component in specific parts of games, as if they output too strong of signal. Consistent results (like file select screen) make Sonic 3 a very useful test subject.

[markusman64ds]

It seems to me large amounts of white or certain other colors are a problem. On my CRT with your above linked converter I can get Sega Genesis screen rolling over component in specific parts of games, as if they output too strong of signal. Consistent results (like file select screen) make Sonic 3 a very useful test subject.

Oh, that's what screen rolling is. I had no idea. So is it that the TV can't handle the signal?

And do SCART cables output audio, or do I have to get a specific cable with audio cables?

EDIT: You own the converter, so can you confirm if it uses European or Japanese SCART?

[theclaw]

Your problem looks different than mine. What I get can't be shown accurate in a still photo... This happens presumably 60 times per second.



Yes SCART cables output audio. The converter does not. Your best option is a breakout box, let you split away the sound to wherever you'd like.
It is European SCART.


Actually though, my pic is NOT from a "Genesis" at all. I used Japanese Megadrive instead. With European SCART, on an American TV, it works!

[markusman64ds]

Earlier someone was talking about modding the converter to have audio jacks. If I don't do that, is this an ok box?

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/8237B-SCART-A...item2a1ef56e60

Can you try the Mega Drive or Genesis or whatever on an LCD, to see if we have a similar problem?

[theclaw]

Nope, can't test what you want. My LCD does not accept 240p from component.

That box looks OK. All it has to do is ignore RGB and sync, passing it through unchanged to the other end's socket.

[APE992]

Your insistence on not modding your systems is keeping in logic loops that lead you to consider some really stupid options such as an RF to composite converter.

If you keep asking the same question you'll keep getting the same answer. If something doesn't support RGB native you are forced to mod. At some point you're either going to have to accept defeat and not get the best out of a non-RGB capable system or mod them.

[burn_654]

I know Dreamcast has VGA support (480p progressive it looks like) but what's the best option for an SD CRT tv (a nice 36 inch Trinitron) with component input (480i)?

Would it make sense to use an RGB Scart cable with the common scart to component box to get an rgb 480i/240p signal? Or would scart rgb be stuck on progressive (not compatible with my tv)?
Am I better off just using S-Video?

[theclaw]

You can do that. Dreamcast and Xbox 360 are two of the few consoles to widely support both SCART and VGA.

(PS2's not-often-seen VGA cable wasn't a general release. Sold only in the Linux kit, with limited game compatibility)

[markusman64ds]

I like to keep my systems original. If you mod them they aren't as original even if they are more functional. But hey! I hooked the RF systems up to a VCR that outputs composite, and now the picture looks fine on my 50". It's back in my gaming setup now. Component on Wii works fine with it too. I can't see very much lag on this TV, so maybe I won't get an HD CRT after all. I just hope it will work with the SCART to component converter.

[theclaw]

As long as you take it intelligently. The idea is to first ensure they'll have actual purpose.

[markusman64ds]

Super Mario World on Virtual Console works fine with component, so I think the converter will work. This is a good way to check right?