Tea4Two Famicom

[Family Computer]

**I posted pictures further down in the thread so people interested in seeing what type of stuff they offer don't have to navigate the Japanese webpage**



I know from browsing these boards off and on, that there are many people interested in the Famicom.

While the newer style "FAMICOM AV" was previously the only way to get composite video output, in my opinion the original Famicom's design is far superior to the ugly update.

In Japan, the White/Dark Red/Gold colors are synonymous with FAMICOM. When they make "FAMICOM" editions of gameboy's or toy models, it is ALWAYS the original one.

Anyway, since I recently purchased a Nintendo Disk Sytem for my AV Famicom, I was looking around on some Japanese webpages and found a company named TEA4TWO, that sells modified original Famicoms. The work they do looks amazing.

First, they take used original Famicom's and they strip all the decals/warning stickers off the body. They perform a whitening process on the white upper shell, because more often than not it has yellowed severely. I am not sure what technique they use, but it ends up looking brand new.

As many of you know there are several warning decals as well as aesthetic markings on the console. So they have remanufactured these like factory originals. The only thing they change, is they put "TEA4TWO FC/AV" in replacement of the original NINTENDO FAMICOM markings. They say on the website that they do this because they consider it a new product.

Next, they update the video amplifier, and add composite video output through the back, using the standard female RED/WHITE/YELLOW connectors.

They can also install an additional "3D SOUND MODULE" at your request. It is not true stereo, as the games only are programmed for monorail sound, but they say it gives the sound more depth.

As for the controllers, the gold foil decals are replaced with brand new ones. You can choose to have 2 Meter controller cords installed rather than the factory 1 Meter cords (One of the biggest drawbacks to the original design). Also, you can have switches mounted on the top of edge of the controller that add Turbo Fire. All this on ORIGINAL NINTENDO controllers.

All the pieces can be bought and installed yourself, or you can buy a ready-made unit with the options that you desire.

They have some pictures of the image quality on their site, and claim that it is actually BETTER than the Nintendo Famicom AV signal, due to better quality parts.

They can also fully clean and restore a user's disk system, and they sell restored units on their site.

This thing looks amazing. I am definitely going to buy one to match my new Disk System.

What do you guys think of this? It's unlike anything I've seen, and I really nerded out upon stumbling onto their website.

Check it out

http://www.tea4two.jp/

[XxHennersXx]

i would be interested if they didn't replace the stickers. you can do an av mod yourself, fairly simple. I'll stick to my AV famicom and it's sleeker designa nd removable controllers.

[Family Computer]

I think they change the name for brand recognition of some sort. They also offer a 6 month warranty on their work.

It is like a German car tuner, like Brabus for Mercedes or RUF for Porsche, that modifies the car enough to be classified as an entirely new manufacturer.

I think the original console & controller designs are far more timeless, and of course it matches the Disc system.

They also offer customized labels and spacers for Famicom Disk Cards. They allow you to use standard 3.5 inch floppy cases to store your games.

The guys from the company are pretty big into the Famicom scene in Japan.

Of course since they don't ship to customers outside of Japan, it is not very practical, but I just wanted to share what level of detail fans in Japan go to to preserve Famicom heritage.

Like I said before, they don't consider the Famicom AV to be the true design, and that is why they have gone through all this work to keep the old design and have performance greater than the grey AV.

[Family Computer]

Also, I assume that if you supply your own famicom to work on they can perform everything but replacing the front decal—although you would need a pristine version to begin with as they would have to remove all the decals from the shell in order to perform the whitening process

[Family Computer]

FAMICOM with 3d Sound Module, AV Composite Output, New PPU Amplifier:

http://www.tea4two.jp/images/top/product_game_14_00_00.JPG

Turbo Fire Switches on original FAMICOM Controllers:

http://www.tea4two.jp/os_catalog/images/ITEM-FC-CONREN-01.JPG

Whitening Process:

http://www.tea4two.jp/os_catalog/images/ITEM-FC-WHITE-01.jpg

Replacement of Large Powerbrick with Half-Sized Unit:

http://www.tea4two.jp/os_catalog/images/ITEM-FC-AC-B.JPG

Reproduced Gold Foil FAMICOM Controller Decals:

http://www.tea4two.jp/os_catalog/images/ITEM-SEAL-FCCON.JPG

Reproduced Warning Decals for FAMICOM Cartridge Back:

http://www.tea4two.jp/os_catalog/images/ITEM-SEAL-FCCBK.JPG

Reproduced Warning Decals for the FAMICOM console:

http://www.tea4two.jp/os_catalog/images/ITEM-FC-SEAL-A.jpg



They also offer new rubber feet for the Famicom or Disk System. As well as complete controller and system cleaning, disk drive belt and drive replacements, etc.

[XxHennersXx]

to me, it's nothing like the automobiles you mentioned. they're not changing anything, just restoring. so IMO it's not worthy of a new name. But it is rad none the less.

[Family Computer]

Well longer controller cords, optional turbo switches, 3D Sound Amp Replacement, PPU Noise Filter, Composite Out, Video Signal Amp...

They pretty much doing everything they can do as far as upgrade while maintaining the Famicom heritage.

Maybe the automobiles were a bad example, but that was the only analogy I could think of as far as modifying, thus, rebranding the console "Tea4Two FC/AV".

[Ed Oscuro]

Monorail sound?!

Also, damn, I hate people who take off original logos. As you might have heard, Neo Geo Freak got shut down (sort of) for similar activities. It doesn't make me happy.

I think I'll get an A/V FC sometime, myself. Or maybe a Sharp Titler, eventually.

[Family Computer]

No, unlike other Famicoms, this one does NOT have monorail sound. It has a quasi-stereo "3D" sound

Anyway, yeah I guess I am the only one who can see the merit in this system.

I just find the out of the Famicom/NES/AV FAMICOM & NES that the original Famicom is by far the best design & the AV FAMICOM/NES to be one of the uglier consoles out there.

[Ed Oscuro]

No, I meant to say that you're mixing up your vocabulary. Monorail means "one rail," as in an above-ground transit system. Single-channel sound is known as monaural sound.

[Borman]

If it had the original sticker, Id probably buy one

[XxHennersXx]

If it had the original sticker, Id probably buy one

exactally my point. I think actually replacing the logois a slap in the face and an insult to nintendo. if they kept it this project could very well be a wonderful tribute.

[Family Computer]

Haha sorry about the "MONORAIL" sound mistake....I was translating from KATAKANA at the time and didn't even notice the mix-up!! Pretty funny.

I know what you guys mean about wanting the original front logo. I think this has to do with the strict copyright laws in Japan. They couldn't reproduce a foil sticker that says "NINTENDO FAMILY COMPUTER" exactly like the original.

I am going to look up on their site exactly what they say about the name and translate it here.

[Family Computer]

Ok well they say on the site that since the technical specifications and hardware differ from the things made from Nintendo, then they cannot consider it a Nintendo Family Computer but rather a Tea4Two FC/AV. Nintendo holds no responsibility for anything that goes wrong with the console, and you should contact Tea4Two in said case. They offer a 6 month guarantee on all their work.

Anyway, I am going to buy one soon so Ill let you know how it is. I am still trying to decide whether to get the turbo fire switches. It costs like $50 extra to do so, and I don't foresee using them, but why not just go all the way.

[XxHennersXx]

Ok well they say on the site that since the technical specifications and hardware differ from the things made from Nintendo, then they cannot consider it a Nintendo Family Computer but rather a Tea4Two FC/AV. Nintendo holds no responsibility for anything that goes wrong with the console, and you should contact Tea4Two in said case. They offer a 6 month guarantee on all their work.

Anyway, I am going to buy one soon so Ill let you know how it is. I am still trying to decide whether to get the turbo fire switches. It costs like $50 extra to do so, and I don't foresee using them, but why not just go all the way.

because they look ugly as hell. thats why you shouldn't get the turbo fire buttons.

[Family Computer]

Yeah, I am starting to think about forgoing the turbo buttons. I am looking to make a nice complete Famicom setup, and start getting into the homebrew scene, so I thought I might want all options available to me.

Also, upon further inspection of the website, I found a really nice enhancement they have. If you upgrade to that small, half-sized power brick, you can power both the FAMICOM and the DISK SYSTEM with that 1 brick. That is a huge convenience and space saver.

[Tron 2.0]

Having a famicom av+fds is enough for me.

There's been times i wouldn't mind owning a famicom and having it modded for av, but i don't like how it's controllers are wired in.

At least with the famicom av i can use any controller i want to.

Nuff said.

[GarrettCRW]

There's been times i wouldn't mind owning a famicom and having it modded for av, but i don't like how it's controllers are wired in.

At least with the famicom av i can use any controller i want to.

The problem is that no one has ever bothered to create a NES-to-15 pin Famicom accessory port connector. After all, the microphone in controller two has its uses.

[Family Computer]

If you want to use a control besides the original Famicom, you just plug it into the accessory port. That is how third party controllers generally are in Japan.

[XxHennersXx]

The problem is that no one has ever bothered to create a NES-to-15 pin Famicom accessory port connector. After all, the microphone in controller two has its uses.

yeah like, 2 games.

[GarrettCRW]

yeah like, 2 games.

Three-Zelda (kills Pols Voice dead), Kid Icarus (crying apparently is the trigger to lower shop prices), and that crazy-ass game Beat Takeshi designed for Taito. (I think there was a kareoke game of some sort, as well.)

[Family Computer]

so make that 3 CLASSIC games

I think am going to order a TEA4TWO Famicom tonight.

I am going to get the model with the 3D Sound Module, PPU Stabilizer, AV Amplifier. Also, I will get the 2 Meter controller Modification & the small powerbrick that can power both the FAMICOM & DISK SYSTEM.

I'll let you know how it is!

[Tron 2.0]

The problem is that no one has ever bothered to create a NES-to-15 pin Famicom accessory port connector. After all, the microphone in controller two has its uses.
Ture.. i like useing the famicom av since i can use the nes controllers as well for it.

Only time i've used the accessory port on the av is when i'm playing, Arkanoid II since it comes with a dail controller.

Haven't had the chance to get the microphrone for it though.

I think the lightgun for the,Famicom use's the accessory port as well but i'm not sure.

Heck i have a hard time finding 'it where the nes zapper is more common.

[Family Computer]

yes it hooks up via the accessory port

http://www.tea4two.jp/os_catalog/images/ITEM-HVC-005.jpg

[Tron 2.0]

yes it hooks up via the accessory port

http://www.tea4two.jp/os_catalog/images/ITEM-HVC-005.jpg
That comfirms it now if i can just find one shesh !

[XxHennersXx]

you'd figure there was a microphone released for it. I'm sure there is. and it hell it just might work in zelda nd kid icarus.

[Family Computer]

ordered it...should be here in about 24 hours

[Family Computer]

The Tea4Two FC/AV arrived 30 minutes ago!

I tested out the system with Mike Tyson's Punch-Out, which I have recently been playing a lot on my grey AV Famicom. The video is noticeably better and the graphics are somewhat simple on this game. I am going to do a lot more testing soon. I really wish I had 2 copies of the same game so I could just switch back and forth through my TVs input.

I am also going to record some MP3s of the Mother Intro in order to do a direct comparison of the AV Famicom & the "3D Sound" of the Tea4Two. I will upload this for anyone interested!

[ApolloBoy]

ordered it...should be here in about 24 hours

How were you able to order it if they don't ship outside Japan? I'd be willing to send them my Famicom for an AV mod, considering how crappy the Famicom's RF output is.

[Family Computer]

live in Japan

[ApolloBoy]

live in Japan

Damn, I guess I'll have to mod my Famicom for AV myself. It shouldn't be too complicated, right?

[XxHennersXx]

The Tea4Two FC/AV arrived 30 minutes ago!

I tested out the system with Mike Tyson's Punch-Out, which I have recently been playing a lot on my grey AV Famicom. The video is noticeably better and the graphics are somewhat simple on this game. I am going to do a lot more testing soon. I really wish I had 2 copies of the same game so I could just switch back and forth through my TVs input.

I am also going to record some MP3s of the Mother Intro in order to do a direct comparison of the AV Famicom & the "3D Sound" of the Tea4Two. I will upload this for anyone interested!

i'm interested

[Ed Oscuro]

Three-Zelda (kills Pols Voice dead), Kid Icarus (crying apparently is the trigger to lower shop prices), and that crazy-ass game Beat Takeshi designed for Taito. (I think there was a kareoke game of some sort, as well.)
The karaoke game is in Beat Takeshi's game :P

[Family Computer]

Henner's I'm working on the review but I've been busy with work recently. Just a slight heads up, the graphics color/image sharpness are visually clearer on the Modded Tea4Two, but the sound is AT LEAST louder on the Top Loading Famicom. The sound has a different feel on both though, so I need to do some more testing!

The one thing that I am genuinely delighted with is the reduced-size AC adaptor. It is way smaller than I thought (about the size of a package of Tic-Tacs) and powers both the Famicom & Disk System with a single unit. I am probably going to order one of these adaptors for my Super Famicom as well.

[Joe West]

since i dont read chinese, whats the price on this thing.........

[Family Computer]

since i dont read chinese, whats the price on this thing.........

not even sure if this deserves a serious reply, for a variety of reasons

[XxHennersXx]

not even sure if this deserves a serious reply, for a variety of reasons

ditto.

Anyway, FamilyComputer, I'm interested you're able to just order the AC Adaptor? Does it work with the AV Famicom? If I forward the money could you purchase and send it to me in the US?

[max 330 mega]

the biggest thing that im interested in is the method that they use to whiten the console, because i have only discovered one method that seems to work (atleast on a turbo duo-r it did) but it took quite a long time to only manage to get the system back to being about 95% white.
.... of course they would never tell how they manage to do it :(

[kazuo]

Looks cool and worth it if you're a huge Famicom fan, but if you want the best experience, an AV Fami with the FamiCom Titler PPU = BEST option. :D

[ApolloBoy]

FamiCom Titler PPU

That's the one that outputs S-video, right?

[kazuo]

That's the one that outputs S-video, right?

And RGB. :)