If you have a HDTV with a VGA input, then read this!

[Anthony1]

Ok, everybody on these boards knows that I'm a big time RGB fanboy. I'll admit it. I'm a RGB Evangelist basically. I'm trying to spread the word about it. I know people are sick of it, but there are a few of you out there that actually have paid heed to the gospel and have set out on your own quests to discover the joy of RGB.


One obstacle that people run into when it comes to RGB gaming, is the fact that you need a special RGB monitor, and you also need special cables.


Well, there is another way to enjoy the dream that is RGB, without having to get a special monitor and custom RGB cables. The thing is, you need to have a HDTV that has a VGA input. If you have a HDTV with a VGA input, then you can dream a little dream.


The dream is known as the Micomsoft XRGB2-plus. This little device, can take a native RGB signal and convert it to VGA output. If you have a HDTV with a VGA input, then you can basically turn your HDTV into the equivalent of a giant RGB monitor!!!


Pretty cool if you ask me.

I never thought that HDTV's would actually help people to enjoy retrogaming more. It's a novel concept. New technology actually helping out the old tech. Well, with the XRGB2 it's possible. The thing that makes it so unique is that it just doesn't upconvert some crappy video signal, it takes the native RGB signal and then coverts that signal to progressive scan.


The other good thing about it, is that you don't need to get custom RGB cables to enjoy it. You just need to get the Japanese RGB Scart cables for the various systems. If you get European RGB Scart cables, they won't work unless you get a Euro to Japanese Scart Adapter.



The biggest thing about this is the fact that you can all of a sudden have a gigantic RGB monitor. We all know that there are really big HDTV's that you can get. 56 inches, 61 inches, etc, etc. Well just think of it as a gigantic RGB monitor. Regular RGB monitors aren't made that big. Most people can't afford anything bigger than 25 inches when it comes to an analog RGB monitor.

But alot of us have HDTV's in our house. Well, if that HDTV has a VGA input on it, then prepare to be blown away. You need to get yourself a XRGB2-plus. I got mine for like $132 delivered.


Yes, $132 is some snaps to have to pay, but it's actually not that bad, since that was with Shipping and everything. I would gladly pay $132 to play my TurboDuo in RGB on a gigantic HDTV.


If you love any of the systems below, and you have a HDTV with a VGA input, then you owe it to yourself to check this thing out. You will see details and colors you never knew existed in your old school games.



MOST BANGING SYSTEMS THAT FEATURE RGB OUTPUT


1. TurboDuo - Unfortunately, one must get their Turbo modded to correctly output RGB. The internal RGB signal is too weak, and with a Duo, it requires a really difficult mod. The TG-16 CD player combo is a much easier mod, but it still requires a mod. However, if you ever get this thing setup properly, then you will be amazed. There is something about playing Dracula X in RGB on a 56 inch DLP that is very itoxicating.


2. SNES - The SNES absolutely shines in RGB. Like the Turob, the SNES is a very colorfull machine, and you get to see every last shade of color when you see it in RGB. If you are a SNES fanatic and you thought S-Video was awesome, just wait till you get a load of this.


3. Genesis - The Genny only puts 64 colors on the screen at a time, but 64 have never looked better. A dream of dreams. Don't believe me? Pop in Gunstar Heroes.

4. Saturn - Pop in Astal, and then pick your jaw up.

5. Playstation - When you play Crash Bandicoot 1 for the first time in RGB, you will realize that the butterflies that are flying around, actually have patterns on their wings. Little details like this are only available in RGB.

6. Atari Jaguar - One thing that I have to say about the Jag, is that this baby is one colorfull system. Trevor McFurr in the Crescent Galaxy might be one of the worst games out there, but it looks freaking beautiful in warm chocolate puddin.

7. Neo-Geo - If you paid the big $ that's required to get a Neo-Geo and you aren't playing it in RGB, then shame on you!

8. Sega Master System - If you grew up with a Sega Master System, and no other system has a more special place in your heart, then you have to peep it in RGB. It's the first game console to feature RGB output.

9. Sega CD - See every pixel of the grainy FMV games.

10. Nintendo 64 - Even in RGB, then N64 is the Blurry 64, but still, this is the best picture you'll ever get from a 64. Unforutnately, it must be modded to output the signal.

[Trebuken]

I've come across this a couple times in the past. Never looked at it closely til today. Sounds exceddingly cool, but none of my HDTV's have a VGA input (you think a transcoder attached to the XRGB2 would work? or would it ruin the RGB signal?).

I guess this is the same concept as the VGA box for the Dreamcast. It also will improve the signal (if what I read is correct) of systems such as the NES and Nintendo 64 that do not specifically support RGB (no more N64 RGB mode required?).

Anyone no where I can get a 30" LCD monitor with VGA in dirt cheap?

Trebuken

[Mangar]

I own a 61' Samsung DLP HDTV with a VGA Input, and i've been considering one of these for awhile. The reason why i haven't jumped on it yet is that i remember reading someplace about potential issues regarding compatibility between the Micomsoft XRGB2-plus and some of the consoles listed. Problems that didn't exist with the previous non-plus XRGB.

Have you actually tried all of these consoles personally and noticed definate improvement? (IE: Better then the stock inputs or the S-Video Mods?)

Edit: Oh - And where are you finding it for 132$ delivered? Cheapest i've found is 209$+

[jajaja]

but it looks freaking beautiful in warm chocolate puddin.

I've see people use this expression. What does it acctualy means?

[dj898]

i just use RGB->YUV transcoder on the component input...
yep mine has two RGBVH but since I have the transcoder why bother... O_O

[THATinkjar]

But alot of us have HDTV's in our house.

We do?

[youruglyclone]

but it looks freaking beautiful in warm chocolate puddin.

I've see people use this expression. What does it acctualy means?

word filter...

warm chocolate puddin was a word filter for RGB for a while.

[kevin_psx]

I'll admit it. I'm a RGB Evangelist basically.

I'm happy with composite - difference signal - connections.

[jajaja]

but it looks freaking beautiful in warm chocolate puddin.

I've see people use this expression. What does it acctualy means?

word filter...

warm chocolate puddin was a word filter for RGB for a while.

Ye, but what do warm chocolate pudding have to do with RGB? :)

[slip81]

but it looks freaking beautiful in warm chocolate puddin.

I've see people use this expression. What does it acctualy means?

word filter...

warm chocolate puddin was a word filter for RGB for a while.

Ye, but what do warm chocolate pudding have to do with RGB? :)

I believe it came about when someone compaired the goodness of RGB to warm chocolate puddin', or said it was better or something like that.

Anyway, Anthony you probably already know this, but for anyone who doesn't, the Xbox 360 will be able to hook into VGA via an option cable you can buy. And it's a real Xbox cable, not some bootleg passthrough.

http://gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802129

[*TRICKSTAR*]

Ok, everybody on these boards knows that I'm a big time RGB fanboy. I'll admit it. I'm a RGB Evangelist basically. I'm trying to spread the word about it. I know people are sick of it, but there are a few of you out there that actually have paid heed to the gospel and have set out on your own quests to discover the joy of RGB.


One obstacle that people run into when it comes to RGB gaming, is the fact that you need a special RGB monitor, and you also need special cables.


Well, there is another way to enjoy the dream that is RGB, without having to get a special monitor and custom RGB cables. The thing is, you need to have a HDTV that has a VGA input. If you have a HDTV with a VGA input, then you can dream a little dream.


The dream is known as the Micomsoft XRGB2-plus. This little device, can take a native RGB signal and convert it to VGA output. If you have a HDTV with a VGA input, then you can basically turn your HDTV into the equivalent of a giant RGB monitor!!!


Pretty cool if you ask me.

I never thought that HDTV's would actually help people to enjoy retrogaming more. It's a novel concept. New technology actually helping out the old tech. Well, with the XRGB2 it's possible. The thing that makes it so unique is that it just doesn't upconvert some crappy video signal, it takes the native RGB signal and then coverts that signal to progressive scan.


The other good thing about it, is that you don't need to get custom RGB cables to enjoy it. You just need to get the Japanese RGB Scart cables for the various systems. If you get European RGB Scart cables, they won't work unless you get a Euro to Japanese Scart Adapter.



The biggest thing about this is the fact that you can all of a sudden have a gigantic RGB monitor. We all know that there are really big HDTV's that you can get. 56 inches, 61 inches, etc, etc. Well just think of it as a gigantic RGB monitor. Regular RGB monitors aren't made that big. Most people can't afford anything bigger than 25 inches when it comes to an analog RGB monitor.

But alot of us have HDTV's in our house. Well, if that HDTV has a VGA input on it, then prepare to be blown away. You need to get yourself a XRGB2-plus. I got mine for like $132 delivered.


Yes, $132 is some snaps to have to pay, but it's actually not that bad, since that was with Shipping and everything. I would gladly pay $132 to play my TurboDuo in RGB on a gigantic HDTV.


If you love any of the systems below, and you have a HDTV with a VGA input, then you owe it to yourself to check this thing out. You will see details and colors you never knew existed in your old school games.



MOST BANGING SYSTEMS THAT FEATURE RGB OUTPUT


1. TurboDuo - Unfortunately, one must get their Turbo modded to correctly output RGB. The internal RGB signal is too weak, and with a Duo, it requires a really difficult mod. The TG-16 CD player combo is a much easier mod, but it still requires a mod. However, if you ever get this thing setup properly, then you will be amazed. There is something about playing Dracula X in RGB on a 56 inch DLP that is very itoxicating.


2. SNES - The SNES absolutely shines in RGB. Like the Turob, the SNES is a very colorfull machine, and you get to see every last shade of color when you see it in RGB. If you are a SNES fanatic and you thought S-Video was awesome, just wait till you get a load of this.


3. Genesis - The Genny only puts 64 colors on the screen at a time, but 64 have never looked better. A dream of dreams. Don't believe me? Pop in Gunstar Heroes.

4. Saturn - Pop in Astal, and then pick your jaw up.

5. Playstation - When you play Crash Bandicoot 1 for the first time in RGB, you will realize that the butterflies that are flying around, actually have patterns on their wings. Little details like this are only available in RGB.

6. Atari Jaguar - One thing that I have to say about the Jag, is that this baby is one colorfull system. Trevor McFurr in the Crescent Galaxy might be one of the worst games out there, but it looks freaking beautiful in warm chocolate puddin.

7. Neo-Geo - If you paid the big $ that's required to get a Neo-Geo and you aren't playing it in RGB, then shame on you!

8. Sega Master System - If you grew up with a Sega Master System, and no other system has a more special place in your heart, then you have to peep it in RGB. It's the first game console to feature RGB output.

9. Sega CD - See every pixel of the grainy FMV games.

10. Nintendo 64 - Even in RGB, then N64 is the Blurry 64, but still, this is the best picture you'll ever get from a 64. Unforutnately, it must be modded to output the signal.


Im a BIG FAN of just "Hooking a game system up to my tv and playing the game" and i must say this topic is intresting!
I mean , it worked for 25 years and i can't seem to break tradition lol.

[kevin_psx]

Im a BIG FAN of just "Hooking a game system up to my tv and playing the game" and i must say this topic is intresting! I mean , it worked for 25 years and i can't seem to break tradition lol.

We still are "just hooking a game system up to my tv" but we're using better cables. example - when i switched from the round RCA video connection to a S-video connection it was like night-n-day!

Blurry pictures suddenly became crystal clear. It felt like I changed my tv into a high-quality computer monitor.

[Arkaign]

RGB is wonderful, and that's a good list for the classic systems.

I use a Toshiba 56HM195 .. which is 1080p and all that good stuff, but I have to say ..

Old game systems do *not* look right on it. I dumped my Xbox and PS2 before I bought this TV, but I run a PC into it with HDMI, running at 1920x1080. Running various roms on it, just looks freaky. The colors are flawless, but everything is just too sharp and big.

For RGB goodness on classic systems (16-bit), I just have to recommend picking up a 20" or smaller RGB monitor and the appropriate cable. The look is a lot better for those old games.

Only possible exceptions : you want to play mulitplayer with near-sighted friends, or you just want to sit across the room.

[Computolio]

Actually there's a remote possibility that some of these TVs will do RGB without an XRGB2. Try hooking up something that does RGB through the VGA port, like an Amiga or something. If the TV is designed a certain way it might work.

[actofgod]

So is RGB a big improvement over component video (the three red, green, and blue cables in place of an s-video or yellow composite cable)?

[s1lence]

but it looks freaking beautiful in warm chocolate puddin.

I've see people use this expression. What does it acctualy means?

word filter...

warm chocolate puddin was a word filter for RGB for a while.

Ye, but what do warm chocolate pudding have to do with RGB? :)

I believe it came about when someone compaired the goodness of RGB to warm chocolate puddin', or said it was better or something like that.

Anyway, Anthony you probably already know this, but for anyone who doesn't, the Xbox 360 will be able to hook into VGA via an option cable you can buy. And it's a real Xbox cable, not some bootleg passthrough.

http://gamestop.com/product.asp?product%5Fid=802129

Nice I'll have to pick one of those up.

[Anthony1]

I've come across this a couple times in the past. Never looked at it closely til today. Sounds exceddingly cool, but none of my HDTV's have a VGA input (you think a transcoder attached to the XRGB2 would work? or would it ruin the RGB signal?).

I guess this is the same concept as the VGA box for the Dreamcast. It also will improve the signal (if what I read is correct) of systems such as the NES and Nintendo 64 that do not specifically support RGB (no more N64 RGB mode required?).

Anyone no where I can get a 30" LCD monitor with VGA in dirt cheap?

Trebuken


1. Avoid LCD monitors like the plague. They don't look good with this. Trust me. You want either a CRT computer monitor, (like a large 21 inch monitor), or you want a HDTV that handles a VGA signal well, which unfortunately, there aren't many. But absolutely avoid LCD monitors. The first monitor I hooked the XRGB2-plus to was my SamSung SyncMaster 171N 17 inch LCD display. Looked like shite. Then I hooked it up to my Princeton Graphics AF 3.0 HD monitor, it was off the chizzle...Fo Nizzle. (as todays urban youngsters would say)


2. I have a VGA to component cable, that I use with my Infocus X1 projector, and it works fine in getting my DVD player and HDTV receiver to feed their High Def component signals to my X1 via the VGA port, but for some reason, I can't get this cable to work with the XRGB2-1. Now, this cable isn't a full on transcoder, but I would think it would work, and I'm kinda mystified why it isn't working. It's possible that the XRGB2 isn't set to 640 x 480. The plus version has a higher resolution that maybe my HDTV's can't sync with via the component inputs. So the jury is still out on how I'm going to get this to work with my Sony TV in my Living Room. It doesn't have a VGA input. I need to use the High Def component input, so I'm going to need to figure out something.

3. The Dreamcast VGA box is a little different. The signal that it provides is even better, because it's a true 640 x 480 progressive signal. It's complete native. The XRGB2 signal isn't completely native. It's still an awesome signal, and the reason that it is, is because it starts with a native RGB signal as it's information, before it upscans it. So the Dreamcast's video signal is slightly superior, considering it is totally native.


4. Connecting the NES to the XRGB2 wouldn't be a very good idea. You would basically get no benefit whatsoever. With a NES, you might as well use a regular composite video cable, and a y splitter for the mono audio cable.

5. With a N64, you could actually get a RGB signal, but you would need to have your N64 internally modded for it. Also, not all US versions of the N64 would work. And of all the systems that can output RGB, the N64 is probably the least impressive of the bunch, considering it still has the Blurry 64 look. But if you are a hardcore N64 fanatic, then I would think that it would probably be worth it. Might as well see every little ounce of visual splender that these older systems could achieve. What people don't realize, is that it's not just a old school game graphics whore thing, it actually increases your appreciation for the artistic integrity of some of these masterpieces that were created in the extremely late 80's and early 90's. (I'm talking about TurboDuo love)





AGAIN, AVOID LCD IF YOU PLAN TO USE A XRGB2-plus

[Anthony1]

i just use RGB->YUV transcoder on the component input...
yep mine has two RGBVH but since I have the transcoder why bother... O_O


Are you using a XRGB2-plus? Please explain your how the connections work from the system itself, through all the various adapters to the wideband component inputs on the back of your HDTV. If you are using a VGA to Component transcoder, and you have the VGA out coming out of the XRGB2, then you are basically doing what I need to do. What specific transcoder is it?

[dj898]

no i use RGB cable for consoles and hooked up to RGB->YUV transocder to transcode RGB signal into YUV component signal...

the transcoder itself is from UK for around A$130 from local distributor two years ago...

[Anthony1]

no i use RGB cable for consoles and hooked up to RGB->YUV transocder to transcode RGB signal into YUV component signal...

the transcoder itself is from UK for around A$130 from local distributor two years ago...


So from the console itself, like say a SNES, you use a custom RGB cable, that plugs into the SNES on one end, on the other end what type of plug does it have?

Or is it a Euro Scart RGB cable or something?

[GarrettCRW]

So from the console itself, like say a SNES, you use a custom RGB cable, that plugs into the SNES on one end, on the other end what type of plug does it have?

Actually, since the Super NES has Nintendo's standard Multi Out port, couldn't you just get an RGB cable directly from the Big N?

[dj898]

no i use RGB cable for consoles and hooked up to RGB->YUV transocder to transcode RGB signal into YUV component signal...

the transcoder itself is from UK for around A$130 from local distributor two years ago...


So from the console itself, like say a SNES, you use a custom RGB cable, that plugs into the SNES on one end, on the other end what type of plug does it have?

Or is it a Euro Scart RGB cable or something?

just use one of those multi cable with Scart socket one end and plug into RGB->YUV transcoder...

think of the same way as converting RGB signal thru Scart into Component YUV three wires...

[luffy744]

I would actually like to pick one of these up to try out with my 17 inch CRT monitor, especially for Saturn and Neo Geo. The problem is everywhere I look online all I can find is european SCART cables, and from what I understand, these will NOT work with the XRGB2+ ?? Only Japanese RGB cables will? Am I incorrect, missing something, or just not looking in the right places? I don't want to drop $200 on the XRGB and then more on some cables that then turn out to be useless...

[kevin_psx]

1. Avoid LCD monitors like the plague. They don't look good with this. Trust me.

Because the 320x240 or 640x480 output of a console does not match the native resolution of 1280x1024 (typical lcd). So you get a dithered picture instead of actual picture.

I hate LCDs or Plasmas. Stupid fixed resolutions. I prefer a multi-resolution CRT.

[dj898]

if you can find one at decent price RGB monitor is the way to go... heard to check out your local hospital when as a lot of medical equipment came with RGB monitor and apparently they throw 'em out after certain use time?

[Anthony1]

I would actually like to pick one of these up to try out with my 17 inch CRT monitor, especially for Saturn and Neo Geo. The problem is everywhere I look online all I can find is european SCART cables, and from what I understand, these will NOT work with the XRGB2+ ?? Only Japanese RGB cables will? Am I incorrect, missing something, or just not looking in the right places? I don't want to drop $200 on the XRGB and then more on some cables that then turn out to be useless...



There are people that can make a little adapter, than would convert the Euro Scart to Japanese Scart. Probably cost you $20 or so.

[The Manimal]

FYI: Current Samsung 1080P DLP models accept 1080P signals through the VGA input.


I kind of want to buy one, but next years will accept 1080P through HDMI also..and may or may not use a color wheel.