SCART, VGA, Scanlines and other questions

[Tempest]

OK I'm going to back this up and get some of my broader questions answered before diving into specific solutions like I was asking for in my previous thread.

I've been looking into using SCART/ RGB connectors for some of my older gaming systems that support it (SNES, Saturn, modded Turbo Duo, etc.) but I'm having a tough time figuring it all out so I have some questions.

Right now I have three different displays available to me: HD LCD TV, HD CRT TV (does 720P and 1080i), and a 21" VGA monitor. I was thinking about using an SCART to HDMI converter since none of my displays have SCART connectors (I'm in the US). With HDMI I could plug it directly into either the LCD or CRT TV or I could use a HDMI to VGA adapter for the monitor.

1. Will I get a better picture using the HDMI connector on my TV's or the VGA on the monitor?
2. Assuming I go the TV route I've been told that LCD TV's don't have scanlines so you need a device to artificially create them like a SLG3000. Do I need such a device for my HD CRT or does it already have scanlines because it's a CRT?
3. My HD CRT has a DVI port, would I get a better picture using the DVI port (with a VGA adapter) or the HDMI port?


My guess here is that my HD CRT is probably the best bet and that the DVI port is going to give me a better signal than the HDMI because the systems aren't producing a true 720P signal anyway). I'm also guessing that I don't need the artificial scanline generator for the HD TV either. Am I right on all of this? Any reason to use the 21" VGA monitor at all?

Tempest

[Darkman2K5]

From what I've read, you would be better off using your HD CRT. However, I would recommend that you go with a SCART to component converter rather than a SCART to HDMI converter, as the conversion to HDMI washes out some of the colors. The best way to do this would be to get a SCART hub like this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/Signature-SI.../dp/B001MZRWN0 and hook it up to a SCART to component converter like this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT. The SCART hub would allow you to use the white and red RCA cables for sound and allow you to hook up multiple SCART devices to the converter.

[Tempest]

Oh wow, I didn't know there were SCART to component converters, that would be much more convenient. Does the SCART hub degrade the signal in any noticeable way?

Tempest

[Darkman2K5]

I can't say for sure because I don't have any personal experience with SCART myself, but I would imagine that the answer would be no. The idea behind the hub is no different than hubs that allow you to hook up multiple composite cables to them. I use multiple hubs in my current setup for composite and s-video connections, and the signal does not degrade.