S-Video to Component box for classic systems?

[LiquidPolicenaut]

I need some advice. I just finished moving and decided to try all my systems on my tv. Not only have new problems crept up on me (Turbo Duo doesn't want to read discs anymore...Saturn S-Video cable outputs in black and white!) but I realized my LCD TV makes anything hooked up via composite or s-video look like ass! I've read about converters like the XRGB but I found one recently (off of svideo.com) and was wondering what you guys think. Does it seem legit and good enough?? Thanks for any opinions!

[izarate]

I think that a better option would be to buy RGB SCART cables for all your systems and then getting an RGB to component transcoder. It would give better results.

CSY-1000
http://www.cypress.com.tw/english/display.asp?id=297

Aptus 1
http://www.keene.co.uk/electronics/multi.php?mycode=apt1

Take in mind that some HDTVs don't fare well with 240p over component (many older consoles output video in that format).

An easy way to test this would be using a PS1 game on a PS2 (not PS3, the PS3 scales the game internally and works around this problem) with component cables. Some PS2 games also output in 240p, like many of the SNK compilations, Disgaea and Ico.

[eugenek]

I think that a better option would be to buy RGB SCART cables for all your systems and then getting an RGB to component transcoder. It would give better results.


I agree that the results would be better, but tapping the RGB signals is more complex than just buying SCART cables for all his consoles.

[izarate]

I agree that the results would be better, but tapping the RGB signals is more complex than just buying SCART cables for all his consoles.

huh? RGB SCART cables already output RGB directly from the consoles. What else would he need apart from the cables and the transcoder? :?

I didn't mention an SCART selector since I thought he would figure that out.

[TheRedEye]

Saturn S-Video cable outputs in black and white!

That sounds more like a damaged cable to me.

[eugenek]

huh? RGB SCART cables already output RGB directly from the consoles. What else would he need apart from the cables and the transcoder? :?

I didn't mention an SCART selector since I thought he would figure that out.

You have to mod most NTSC consoles to tap the RGB signal, I don't know what you're talking about.

[izarate]

You have to mod most NTSC consoles to tap the RGB signal, I don't know what you're talking about.

The only mainstream retro consoles that must be modded for RGB are the N64, SNES Jr., some Genesis 3 and the NES, as far as I know. The SNES, Genesis (and its variants), Saturn, Turbografx, Master System, PSX, Jaguar and the AES have RGB/SYNC pins at the AV port.

Maybe you're thinking about the cheap RGB SCART cables that have missing components when compared to the official cables. In that case, yes, you must mod either the cable or the console.

[Diosoth]

His location says Las Vegas.... if you're trying to use PAL on NTSC TVs or vice versa, you'd need a proper signal converter box. These can cost about $100.

If it's NTSC systems on an NTSC TV... your new TV is busted out of the box. The s-video port is likely not wried right. Go exchange it, it's damaged.