Best Modern Way to Experience SNES using RGB?

[Informationator]

I figure tracking down SCART cables wouldn't be too hard, but it's tracking down a TV that will work with it and/or a converter box that'll make the most out of it that I'm concerned about.

I found THIS THREAD (http://www.digitpress.com/forum/showthread.php?t=96909), but holy cow, those XRGB-3 boxes are close to $600!!!

Any tips?

[alec006]

The simplest way to play SNES RGB on a HDTV is a SCART to HDMI convertor:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scart-HDMI-Converter-w-Scaler-UPSCALE-Sky-1080P-/390344075923?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae251ea93

It's not too bad in 720p but you are still upscaling a low resolution image. This method will cost you around $75+

If you have a CRT, then the best method is a SCART to YUV convertor along with a SCART switch box so you can get RCA Audio. This method will cost you around $80+

[substantial_snake]

I would REALLY suggest you just pick up a cheap CRT and run S-Video through your SNES off of it. It would eliminate the need for converter boxes (unless you are really intent on RGB) and you could use it for other retro consoles. I have tried going the Scart-RGB/HDMI route with my genesis and it was way more money and a headache then it was worth.

In my own experience (with the Genesis) trying the Scart-to-RGB method will not output on most flat screen televisions. In addition the HDMI method lead to poor picture quality in my case in that while up-scaling it softens the pixels on your screen and losing definition. I really feel like the best solution is a CRT TV like what the system was deigned for.

[Rickstilwell1]

I would REALLY suggest you just pick up a cheap CRT and run S-Video through your SNES off of it. It would eliminate the need for converter boxes (unless you are really intent on RGB) and you could use it for other retro consoles. I have tried going the Scart-RGB/HDMI route with my genesis and it was way more money and a headache then it was worth.

In my own experience (with the Genesis) trying the Scart-to-RGB method will not output on most flat screen televisions. In addition the HDMI method lead to poor picture quality in my case in that while up-scaling it softens the pixels on your screen and losing definition. I really feel like the best solution is a CRT TV like what the system was deigned for.

I've had the opposite with my SHARP 52" HDTV. The box I bought did an excellent job of improving the quality of Sega Master System 1 and Genesis 1 graphics. It also did an excellent job of upscaling S-Video to HDMI making the Neo Geo CD games look beautiful.

It depends on the brand of converter box, the brand of TV and the model of game system.

[alec006]

See that's the horrible part about RGB, that the lower resolutions don't work on modern TV's. I wouldn't mind upscaling the image to 640x480 with the XRGB but again the price is the only thing that's in the way, not to mention the one I want is rare. Also VGA RGB at 640x480 is perfect in my opinion since it's straight RGB and there's no conversion to the YUV colour pallete which isn't too far off from RGB.

Ask for S-Video, it's amazing for consoles that can't do RGB, but there are two problems with it. One, I can't find a newer flat screen with S-Video anymore and two, the difference is apparent, on any TV Component vs S-Video.

[Informationator]

The simplest way to play SNES RGB on a HDTV is a SCART to HDMI convertor:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Scart-HDMI-Converter-w-Scaler-UPSCALE-Sky-1080P-/390344075923?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae251ea93

It's not too bad in 720p but you are still upscaling a low resolution image. This method will cost you around $75+

If you have a CRT, then the best method is a SCART to YUV convertor along with a SCART switch box so you can get RCA Audio. This method will cost you around $80+

Do you have personal experience with the HDMI converter? How does it look?

I know that modern televisions won't work with the super scope or (probably) the Justifiers, but I imagine games would look beautiful in 3:4 ratio on a modern HDTV in RGB mode.

It's a real shame everyone has been phasing out high-quality CRT TVs and Monitors... They may be huge and power hungry but it's a great technology...

[alec006]

Do you have personal experience with the HDMI converter? How does it look?

I know that modern televisions won't work with the super scope or (probably) the Justifiers, but I imagine games would look beautiful in 3:4 ratio on a modern HDTV in RGB mode.

It's a real shame everyone has been phasing out high-quality CRT TVs and Monitors... They may be huge and power hungry but it's a great technology...

I've tired it and, well since it up converts, the sharpness goes down abit and kind of softens the picture, it also looks abit pastel-ish. but it still looks a hell of alot better than composite on an HDTV.

If you want true RGB thou then you have to pay for it sadly.

You would have to get an XRGB 1,2 or 3, input it directly into the "Game In" using either a Euro SCART to Japan SCART adapter or a SHVC-010 cable. Then connect VGA and audio you have true RGB that your HDTV can deal with. Expensive yes, worth every penny thou.

I would like to see to see a RGB to YUV (Component) box that up converts to SD 640x480 or 720x480 so that HDTV's can use that and not suffer from not being able to input low res component signals. YUV in itself isn't too different from RGB, in the end it still looks damn good.

Also since the native resolution of the SNES is 256x224, the 640x480 upscale doesn't look all that bad, the XRGB does a hell of a fine job making it look good.

And in my personal opinion, when it comes to TV signals, it's best to keep them in their native format. RGB is analog so it should stay in analog meaning, convert it to VGA RGB or YUV.

It really is, since CRT's are really good for classic gaming, but everyone wants the next big thing so we have to spend money to actually make our classic games work on modern TV's.

[theclaw]

I'd keep watch on craigslist type places for a CRT with component input. The right CRT will accept RGB transcoded directly to YUV. Free of most problems or cost scalers involve.

Of course you still generally must use NTSC consoles this way. I wouldn't count on finding any multi-system CRT in America.

[Informationator]

I've tired it and, well since it up converts, the sharpness goes down abit and kind of softens the picture, it also looks abit pastel-ish. but it still looks a hell of alot better than composite on an HDTV.

If you want true RGB thou then you have to pay for it sadly.

You would have to get an XRGB 1,2 or 3, input it directly into the "Game In" using either a Euro SCART to Japan SCART adapter or a SHVC-010 cable. Then connect VGA and audio you have true RGB that your HDTV can deal with. Expensive yes, worth every penny thou.

I would like to see to see a RGB to YUV (Component) box that up converts to SD 640x480 or 720x480 so that HDTV's can use that and not suffer from not being able to input low res component signals. YUV in itself isn't too different from RGB, in the end it still looks damn good.

Also since the native resolution of the SNES is 256x224, the 640x480 upscale doesn't look all that bad, the XRGB does a hell of a fine job making it look good.

And in my personal opinion, when it comes to TV signals, it's best to keep them in their native format. RGB is analog so it should stay in analog meaning, convert it to VGA RGB or YUV.

It really is, since CRT's are really good for classic gaming, but everyone wants the next big thing so we have to spend money to actually make our classic games work on modern TV's.
T..T Knowing myself, I'd only end up wishing I got an XRGB if I went with a cheaper solution. Maybe I'll drop the bomb on that once my SNES collection is nearly complete since I'll be spending more time collecting than playing over the next year or two (trying to aggressively grow my collection while I'm young and have time to do all of the logistics).

Found this. Very interesting read: http://retrogaming.hazard-city.de/

[theclaw]

Just grab a proper CRT at the thrift shop. Save yourself hundreds for something else. An XRGB still isn't going to fix issues like most light guns on LCDs.

[alec006]

T..T Knowing myself, I'd only end up wishing I got an XRGB if I went with a cheaper solution. Maybe I'll drop the bomb on that once my SNES collection is nearly complete since I'll be spending more time collecting than playing over the next year or two (trying to aggressively grow my collection while I'm young and have time to do all of the logistics).

Found this. Very interesting read: http://retrogaming.hazard-city.de/

Thanks for the link, I've seen a few of the convertor boxes that they have mentioned. Some of them look really nice.

Honestly, if you just wanna play classic games on your HDTV with a good picture, then the SCART to HDMI would be the best option. It gives good results, it's very easy since the audio and video are all in one wire and it's processing the best possible signal out of your SNES. Lightguns of course are the only thing that won't work sadly.

RGB in itself is an investment, I mean I spent $110 on an early N64 just to have RGB, which is alot but, I still can get the best possible picture out of a console I really love and grew up with.

I say continue collecting, and build your SNES collection with your favorite games, then down the line, save up to get the best possible signal out of it.


Just grab a proper CRT at the thrift shop. Save yourself hundreds for something else. An XRGB still isn't going to fix issues like most light guns on LCDs.

This is another good idea, only problem is the bigger they are, the heavier they get, also hopefully they are kept away from magnetic forces. With a SCART to YUV convertor they truly produce a wonderful picture that light guns love, so good that it gives your that headache, you remember when you first played video games lol, eye candy pretty much.

[Rob]

I actually just purchased an awesome Sony PVM 20M2MDU RGB monitor that works very well with the SNES in RGB. I just can't see the SNES looking that great on a modern HD TV for cheap.

The monitor has BNC-type RGB connections and is surprisingly affordable. I had to modify a JP 21-pin RGB cable to BNC.

Here is a quick video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzXvyid9FVg