Using AV cables for NES Toploader, SMS, Genesis, Jaguar, TG16, etc.

[Twin Paradox]

I am in the process of revamping my console setup and I am trying to completely eliminate the use of RF adapters. I know that there are many devices out there that convert RCA to RF (RF Modulators), but what about the other way around? All of my consoles have AV outs except the consoles mentioned in the title. If this has already been discussed, I apologize. I have searched the forums and have found nothing useful on the subject.

[theclaw]

A Genesis model lacking AV out? I hadn't heard of that one.
Most SMS2 systems (like mine) do though, sadly.

[homerhomer]

I recently ordered this for my 1st gen Genesis - http://www.amazon.com/Sega-Genesis-1-Standard-AV-Cable/dp/B002FY0CM0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307410184&sr=8-1

[dendawg]

TG16 needs a Turbo Booster to output AV. The NES toploader outputs RF only if it's unmodded.

[Twin Paradox]

A Genesis model lacking AV out? I hadn't heard of that one.

I have a genesis model 2 hooked up to a sega cd and a 32x. I did not realize I could use the port on the 32x for av out. Thank you!


I recently ordered this for my 1st gen Genesis - http://www.amazon.com/Sega-Genesis-1-Standard-AV-Cable/dp/B002FY0CM0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1307410184&sr=8-1

Thanks for the link!


TG16 needs a Turbo Booster to output AV. The NES toploader outputs RF only if it's unmodded.

Thanks a lot. I will look into both of these options. I also realized that the jaguar does have a separate Av out, but the cable costs a fortune so we will see about that.

[Gameguy]

I know that there are many devices out there that convert RCA to RF (RF Modulators), but what about the other way around?
Yes, you can use old VCRs.

There are some rare versions of the NES toploader that have AV output, but good luck finding any. People got them by complaining to Nintendo about the RF only output, they then sent in their systems and had the board replaced with one that had AV output. I hope to find one eventually in person, though I kind of doubt it would happen.

[goatdan]

From having done the same sort of thing, here's my suggestion:

Swap your NES Toploader for a Famiclone and put the Toploader on a different TV in the house. I use a NEX on my main TV, and my Toploader is upstairs on RF. That way, the like four games that need the Toploader to play I can play up there, but I can play the NEX for everything else.

For the Genesis, get a Genesis AV cord. They make them. The ones for the Genesis 1 are kind of tougher to find, the 2/3 are much easier -- I have a bunch at the GOAT Store I know, as I pulled one from inventory to hook mine up.

Then, get a Sega Master System converter for your Genesis. You can plug that into the Genesis and get the AV output and it works fine. I currently have a Sega Genesis CDX hooked up via AV with a 32X on top of it, and I can swap the SMS convertor on the top. It looks stupid as heck, but it works and takes up almost no space.

For the Turbografx, it's either the Turbo Booster or getting a modded on. I have a modded one that I'm not using if anyone is looking for it. I don't know what I'm looking to get for it, but it works really well.

For the Jaguar, either suck it up and buy a set of composite cables or something similar. It's worth it, quite frankly. The Jaguar, I have no idea why, looks great on HD TVs. Unlike, well, practically everything else that I have hooked up to it (which is practically everything), the Jaguar is the only retro system that I think for whatever reason looks even better on an HD set via composite. It does not keep that look with RF as well. Tempest 2000 looks incredibly crisp.

Hope that helps :) I've been doing the same thing here, I need to buy a few more composite cables to finish hookup everything up to switchers, and I'm hoping to have that done sooner than later!

[Duke.Togo]

www.myatari.com (http://www.myatari.com) sells Jaguar Composite cables (sometimes S-Video if they have them). Isn't cheap, but I bought mine from them.

[Twin Paradox]

From having done the same sort of thing, here's my suggestion:

Swap your NES Toploader for a Famiclone and put the Toploader on a different TV in the house. I use a NEX on my main TV, and my Toploader is upstairs on RF. That way, the like four games that need the Toploader to play I can play up there, but I can play the NEX for everything else.

For the Genesis, get a Genesis AV cord. They make them. The ones for the Genesis 1 are kind of tougher to find, the 2/3 are much easier -- I have a bunch at the GOAT Store I know, as I pulled one from inventory to hook mine up.

Then, get a Sega Master System converter for your Genesis. You can plug that into the Genesis and get the AV output and it works fine. I currently have a Sega Genesis CDX hooked up via AV with a 32X on top of it, and I can swap the SMS convertor on the top. It looks stupid as heck, but it works and takes up almost no space.

For the Turbografx, it's either the Turbo Booster or getting a modded on. I have a modded one that I'm not using if anyone is looking for it. I don't know what I'm looking to get for it, but it works really well.

For the Jaguar, either suck it up and buy a set of composite cables or something similar. It's worth it, quite frankly. The Jaguar, I have no idea why, looks great on HD TVs. Unlike, well, practically everything else that I have hooked up to it (which is practically everything), the Jaguar is the only retro system that I think for whatever reason looks even better on an HD set via composite. It does not keep that look with RF as well. Tempest 2000 looks incredibly crisp.

Hope that helps :) I've been doing the same thing here, I need to buy a few more composite cables to finish hookup everything up to switchers, and I'm hoping to have that done sooner than later!

Excellent advice! I think you sold me on the Jaguar composite cables. As far as buying another Nes, I might have to wait on that. I am in the process of building some custom shelves to replace my Walmart bookcases. Thanks again!

[goatdan]

Excellent advice! I think you sold me on the Jaguar composite cables. As far as buying another Nes, I might have to wait on that. I am in the process of building some custom shelves to replace my Walmart bookcases. Thanks again!

Ooo, then here is another fun suggestion: For the shelves, if you can make them adjustable. I would actually strongly suggest if these are not attached to a wall, buy one of the metal adjustable top shelf things. I'm using the small version of that for my collection, and on / under it I managed to fit:

VCR
CDi
Wii (GameCube)
SNES
Dreamcast
N64
3DO
7800 (2600)
Sega CDX (32X / SMS)
NEX
HD DVD player
and right next to it is my Xbox 360

It's great, and unlike traditional shelving offers a TON of air ventilation, something really important. Besides that, you can zip tie the cords to the shelves, and you can barely see them. It works wonderfully. I just need to finish hooking it all up now!

[tpugmire]

On the back of the Turbografx 16 on that big connector with all the pins, you can modify a cable to attach to the audio right, audio left, video, and ground pins. It's much cheaper than modding the console itself if you don't know how. There is a tutorial out there somewhere on how to make the cable. I have it saved at home, I can post it later if you are interested in doing that. Alternatively I have a cable that I made before I modded my console. It's not being used, and I'll sell it cheap.

[Twin Paradox]

Ooo, then here is another fun suggestion: For the shelves, if you can make them adjustable. I would actually strongly suggest if these are not attached to a wall, buy one of the metal adjustable top shelf things.

I actually got a pair of these (http://www.walmart.com/ip/35-Multilevel-Component-Stand/9193532) a few years back. I can comfortably fit all 18 consoles on those shelves no problem, with good ventilation. The shelves I am building will be mainly for my games. I like the idea of making them adjustable, though. Thanks for the suggestions!

[Twin Paradox]

Alternatively I have a cable that I made before I modded my console. It's not being used, and I'll sell it cheap.

I might have to take you up on that good sir. I will keep you in mind if I decide to go that route.

[theclaw]

Remember some systems have especially miserable composite encoders. It's not so bad for those who only use CRTs or users unaware of anything better. But once one has done research it can become harder to accept.

Chances are you're not going to stay happy for long with how Genesis, SMS, or Neo Geo look until you have a way to get above composite from them.

[Twin Paradox]

Remember some systems have especially miserable composite encoders. It's not so bad for those who only use CRTs or users unaware of anything better. But once one has done research it can become harder to accept.

Chances are you're not going to stay happy for long with how Genesis, SMS, or Neo Geo look until you have a way to get above composite from them.

I am not too concerned with having an impeccable video signal. I was more concerned with "cord control". I still watch VHS tapes fairly often, if that gives you some perspective, lol.

[dendawg]

Here's a link for a relatively simple DIY TG16 AV mod:

http://www.cgquarterly.com/articles/tg16_cable.htm