Cool, thanks! Seems to be what was on shmups as well.
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Retro AV Club Thread 2: Classic Gaming Done Right!
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Cool, thanks! Seems to be what was on shmups as well.
socksfelloff
Member
Correct. Paired with the super cheap "vga/vga scaler" you can buy on eBay they honestly do a very good job with 15khz content!
Some of those "M" PVMs are pretty old and potentially on their way out. I would keep an eye out for often newer "L" monitors, avoiding the S-Video-only L1 models. Or JVCs that can be in Like New condition.
Yeah, the highly sought after convenience of an all-in-one solution cannot be understated. Despite the abundance of HD-capable CRT monitors, a pro monitor that can do 240p/480i, 480p/1080i/720p, RGB, Component, etc. goes for a lot because it covers the full spectrum of retro consoles at native res and without any additional boxes in the chain.
I thought I would post a follow up for anyone else that may be in my position.
I have a SNES, N64, and Gamecube all connected to a single LCD TV. My desire is to use SVideo for all systems. Currently, I am using a combo SVIDEO/Composite multi AV cable for all the systems. I am manually unplugging and plugging it in to which ever console I want to play.
The cable I am using, while having both the composite and SVideo cable is decent. This cable does not cause Checkerboarding on the SNES but with the N64 it does. I recently bought the Gam3Gear Svideo cables from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LE3EAIK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. These cables only have the SVideo connection. These are worse than my combo cable. I tested both cables for continuity with my multi meter. The combo one I have has both ground pins connected while the Gam3Gear only has the one ground pin. The Gam3Gear cable DOES NOT have the composite pin connected at all. Both have the correct Luma and Chroma pins connected for proper SVideo. There are a lot of people claiming that some cables route the SVideo over the Composite pin. This Gam3Gear cable causes Checkerboarding on the SNES and even worse on the N64, while not even having the composite pin connected. Again, the combo cable I have has better results on the SNES and a little less Checkerboard effect on the N64 in comparison.
I have hooked both cables up directly to a TV's SVideo connection and through a HDMI to AV upconverter. Both give me similar results as far as Checkerboarding.
So what does this all mean? My guess is just too thin gauge of wire being used and/or poor shielding.
I also purchased the Radio Shack 4in1 Component,SVideo,Composite system selector with a remote https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006PIPOBQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1. This is a powered device. When using it, both cables give me the Checkerboard in an even worse way. So either this device is causing even more signal loss or there is something else going on.
So now I am back to square one.
I am now on the hunt for quality SVideo cables and system selector. As the ones I bought are going back. I found an eBay listing from a dude in Sweden who hand makes them. I thought what the hell and it should be on its way. Here's the link. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NINTENDO-64-S-VIDEO-HIGH-PERFORMANCE-FULLY-SHIELDED-GROUNDED-PAL-SVIDEO-N64-NEW/172587717894
As far as System Selectors go. I am reading positive things on the Pelican 4in1 or what looks like a rebranded version of the Pelican one from Gamestop. Both of which are unpowered.
Looking for advice, if anyone has any recommendations on which switcher and SVideo cables to buy. Thanks!
I have a SNES, N64, and Gamecube all connected to a single LCD TV. My desire is to use SVideo for all systems. Currently, I am using a combo SVIDEO/Composite multi AV cable for all the systems. I am manually unplugging and plugging it in to which ever console I want to play.
The cable I am using, while having both the composite and SVideo cable is decent. This cable does not cause Checkerboarding on the SNES but with the N64 it does. I recently bought the Gam3Gear Svideo cables from Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LE3EAIK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. These cables only have the SVideo connection. These are worse than my combo cable. I tested both cables for continuity with my multi meter. The combo one I have has both ground pins connected while the Gam3Gear only has the one ground pin. The Gam3Gear cable DOES NOT have the composite pin connected at all. Both have the correct Luma and Chroma pins connected for proper SVideo. There are a lot of people claiming that some cables route the SVideo over the Composite pin. This Gam3Gear cable causes Checkerboarding on the SNES and even worse on the N64, while not even having the composite pin connected. Again, the combo cable I have has better results on the SNES and a little less Checkerboard effect on the N64 in comparison.
I have hooked both cables up directly to a TV's SVideo connection and through a HDMI to AV upconverter. Both give me similar results as far as Checkerboarding.
So what does this all mean? My guess is just too thin gauge of wire being used and/or poor shielding.
I also purchased the Radio Shack 4in1 Component,SVideo,Composite system selector with a remote https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006PIPOBQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1. This is a powered device. When using it, both cables give me the Checkerboard in an even worse way. So either this device is causing even more signal loss or there is something else going on.
So now I am back to square one.
I am now on the hunt for quality SVideo cables and system selector. As the ones I bought are going back. I found an eBay listing from a dude in Sweden who hand makes them. I thought what the hell and it should be on its way. Here's the link. http://www.ebay.com/itm/NINTENDO-64-S-VIDEO-HIGH-PERFORMANCE-FULLY-SHIELDED-GROUNDED-PAL-SVIDEO-N64-NEW/172587717894
As far as System Selectors go. I am reading positive things on the Pelican 4in1 or what looks like a rebranded version of the Pelican one from Gamestop. Both of which are unpowered.
Looking for advice, if anyone has any recommendations on which switcher and SVideo cables to buy. Thanks!
Kiddy Dong
Member
According to this guy, the Dell D1626HT I picked up has a similar schematic to the Sony GDM FW900.
http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26576&highlight=d1626ht
I'll have to do more research on this, but it would explain a lot as to why it seems so much better than my other PC monitors. This turned out to be one hell of a bargain.
http://www.badcaps.net/forum/showthread.php?t=26576&highlight=d1626ht
I'll have to do more research on this, but it would explain a lot as to why it seems so much better than my other PC monitors. This turned out to be one hell of a bargain.
Update:
I picked up a RCA VH911R 4in1 splitter. This has composite and SVideo connections and is unpowered. I used my combo SNES cable and the results were a little better. While it did cause just a little checkerboarding on the SNES, it is something I could deal with. It was a lot better than the Radio Shack powered one I tried before. Strange, I would have thought the powered one would have added signal strength.
I believe the problem to be the quality of the SNES, N64, GC SVideo cable.
So I ordered another cable from Amazon along with the hand made cable from eBay. I also picked up the Pelican 5 in 1 splitter on eBay. I'll post a follow up when I get them.
I picked up a RCA VH911R 4in1 splitter. This has composite and SVideo connections and is unpowered. I used my combo SNES cable and the results were a little better. While it did cause just a little checkerboarding on the SNES, it is something I could deal with. It was a lot better than the Radio Shack powered one I tried before. Strange, I would have thought the powered one would have added signal strength.
I believe the problem to be the quality of the SNES, N64, GC SVideo cable.
So I ordered another cable from Amazon along with the hand made cable from eBay. I also picked up the Pelican 5 in 1 splitter on eBay. I'll post a follow up when I get them.
Haha! Right! I was considering that. Just getting the damn SCART cable and an HDMI to SCART upconverter and be done. But then, I'd be like, well I am this far into it. Might as well get the Framemeister too. $$$ money money money!
I figured, I am doing the Internet a favor by going through the pains of SVideo hunt. Especially for those that can't go the more expensive route. I have been on countless Forums and Sub Reddits and there doesn't seem to be a sure answer. At least a current one. So hopefully I land on a good combo.
Part of me is saying, should of just stuck with the Pi. Played all that shit and more, looked great with no noticeable lag. In the end GC looks fine with SVideo and N64 looked alright but the damned checkerboarding! I just got tired of manually switching the cable.
I wonder if Amazon will flag me if I keep sending stuff back. O whale!
PumpkinSpice
Banned
My rule for s-video is to stick with OEM cables. I'm not sure why they are so expensive on ebay, I bought like 3 of them for ~$1 each in Japan.
I got the Cinpel S-video cable on Amazon and it works fine (YMMV). But I wanted peace of mind and got an official cable and there was no difference. Also got a RGB-to-Composite/S-video converter box in order to play on a specific CRT without RGB input... again, looks the same as official!
It's true that you should be striving for RGB if you can afford all this S-video stuff.
It's true that you should be striving for RGB if you can afford all this S-video stuff.
Kawika
Member
The Pi is a great way to experience old games. I really think this should be the way most people get into retro gaming. The VC on Wii got me back into the older stuff which ended in me hunting down all my old games and consoles i left in my parent's attic (and getting multiple CRTs, framemeister and other consoles I no longer had). I am even planning on getting a Pi with RGB out for Mame stuff as I don't want to open that can of worms with arcade board collecting. Emulation feels a little off because we play on these old systems. Most people don't notice how off it is and if you can't I say why bother poking the bear?
Since I now have a legit SNES I can compare it with my Pi. I will say when running both over HDMI the Pi just looks better, obviously. As far as lag, I can't really tell. I beat Mario World on it and never felt that my timing was off.
Getting the SNES was more of a collecting thing for me. I also picked up the Super Everdrive and the 8bitdo SNES controller with the BT receiver.
I really thought SVideo would be the cheapest route. Get an upconverter, 3 SVideo cables and a cheap switcher. Done! Didn't expect most of the SVideo cables to be shit.
If I did go RGB for the SNES, I need another converter, cables, and a way to switch between the other consoles. My receiver only does HDMI. The HDTV I use has extra connections but I have it mounted on a wall and running cables through the walls is a pain in the ass. And I really like being able to switch everything from receiver. As I have a XBOX 360, PC, and a PS4 all hooked up to it along with the HDMI upconverter.
My next purchase, once I get this Svideo thing taken care of is an Everdrive 64 and some extension cables for the controllers. I'll be set for a long time. I was considering a NES, but with the Pi doing a fine job, it seems like a waste of money.
I think the most fun I have been having is buying and playing all the fantastic PS2 games. Holy wow, there's a ton of great games for that system and they look great on component cables.
I have been collecting Gamecube games as well. Having a blast on that system too.
Kawika
Member
You know, if your set up is compatible with component cables why not get component cables for your SNES? http://www.hdretrovision.com/snes/
When was the last time they've actually had stock?
They put up some "grab bag" ones for sale over the weekend, basically cables that have been reworked for one reason or another.
Ya. I saw those and would be a great option if they weren't OOS.
Triforce141
Member
A new Newsletter regarding the OSSC came out today:
The waiting list is also gone, it'll be replaced by a pre-order system.
VideoGamePerfection.com said:
The waiting list is also gone, it'll be replaced by a pre-order system.
Beer Monkey
Member
I finally order an OSSC + audio and it takes six weeks to arrive via Royal Mail and instantly 1.6 is announced and it's just what I want.
This damned hobby....
This damned hobby....
Triforce141
Member
I finally order an OSSC + audio and it takes six weeks to arrive via Royal Mail and instantly 1.6 is announced and it's just what I want.
This damned hobby....
I'm still waiting on my basic OSSC order, tracking said it was on "Origin Post is Preparing Shipment" for over 2 weeks until today, now it's "Processed Through Facility ISC NEW YORK NY(USPS)"
Yep, this is why I tend to wait a lot, glad I didn't order a OSSC yet.I finally order an OSSC + audio and it takes six weeks to arrive via Royal Mail and instantly 1.6 is announced and it's just what I want.
This damned hobby....
cyborgnumberblue
Member
None of those features are dealmakers or breakers for the OSSC in my opinion, but nice to have I guess.
I passed on my opportunity to order one when my number was called this last batch. I think it's a great device and would love it, but I don't need it now so I am going to wait for further revisions (of OSSC and/or potential future FM's). My TV can only do line 2x now as well so I wouldn't be taking full advantage of the OSSC's current capabilities.
theSlacker
Member
I finally order an OSSC + audio and it takes six weeks to arrive via Royal Mail and instantly 1.6 is announced and it's just what I want.
This damned hobby....
Yup, I know that feel. Another fun thing is I've been so busy since it has arrived that it is still sitting in it's box next to my tv.
socksfelloff
Member
Yup I'm right there with you guys. I got my OSSC in the last batch but I had to store all my gaming stuff to stage my house for sale. I kept my SNES because I knew the OSSC was coming and I'd at least want to test it. It works great but I've got no time to use the damn thing!
I got the OSSC email but didnt end up ordering one due to tax season taking me by surprise. But, the 1.6 revision seems like the perfect time to jump in, anyone know if I need to sign up again to hear about that? Or would I get included in the next batch automatically?
edit: nvm, preorder system? im in.
edit: nvm, preorder system? im in.
Love this response. I've got SW on the brain lately. lol
1.6 surely introduces interesting features and it's a nice step-up for the new buyers, but - thank goodness - it does nothing that I really need for my setup, as for right now/near future.I finally order an OSSC + audio and it takes six weeks to arrive via Royal Mail and instantly 1.6 is announced and it's just what I want.
This damned hobby....
socksfelloff
Member
I'm analog audio for life anyway. I got so sick of fucking with my 7.1 setup I went back to stereo, vinyl and tubes and I couldn't be happier.
Guys... You need to hear the megadrive on a rockin set of towers powered by some tubes.
Shin Johnpv
Member
I'm finally getting caught up to The Retro Roundtable that went out last week. They start talking about Scart cables and it's pretty interesting. Thought some folks would maybe want to hear it
https://youtu.be/1wryHLmQ8Qs=50m11s I hope the time start works, its kind of a fluid conversation so hard to find a good starting point.
It seems like it doesn't on this video for some reason, so jump to like the 50 minute mark.
https://youtu.be/1wryHLmQ8Qs=50m11s I hope the time start works, its kind of a fluid conversation so hard to find a good starting point.
It seems like it doesn't on this video for some reason, so jump to like the 50 minute mark.
CaptainSmirnov
Member
Damn I have that s video cable you mentioned coming from amazon today
should I even bother opening it?Danexmurder
Member
I'm right there with you. Waiting to hear about 4k upscalers.
Damn I have that s video cable you mentioned coming from amazon today
Well, for me the cable did not work out. I had it hooked up to a HDMI upconverter. I also have an older LCD TV with SVideo and had the same results. Checkerboard! It was really bad on N64. SNES it was passable, but still there. I didn't notice any on the Gamecube.
As I said earlier, those cables are technically wired correctly. I tested with a multi meter. The composite pin is not connected at all. Just the two audio pins 11,12. Pins 7,8 chroma and luma. And one of the ground pins, I think it was pin 5. I believe it is just poor shielding and thin wire.
I found out a bit more on the hand made SVideo cables from the dude in Sweden. I stumbled on to this site. http://videogamesotros.showsotros.com/video-game-talk-talk/super-nintendo-composite-versus-s-video I contacted the guy on FB and he says they are legit. He said he would provide more screen shots.
I am waiting on mine. It's a long way for post to travel from Sweden to U.S. In the mean time I do have these coming in https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P6R46W/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1. Figured I'd test those out as well. Those Innovation ones are "supposed" to be good. They arrive today.
CaptainSmirnov
Member
Just tried them, a slight step up from composite but am hoping for better. Just ordered from the Swedish guy on ebay! Those cables are nice and thick lol. N64 here.
Got the Innovation brand SVideo cable https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P6R46W/?tag=neogaf0e-20 and tested it out. Well, it is better quality than the Gam3Gear. The cable was thicker and it had a much better snappy tight connection to the console. Still getting the checkerboard on the N64! GRR! Is it possible composite just hides it better? Anyone here use the OEM or Monster cable and get the checkerboard problem? I will say it looks great on the SNES and GC though.
I am starting to wonder if it's the N64 itself. If the Swedish cable does this to, I give up. Just gonna live with it until I can get my hands on an ULTRAHDMI mod.
I am starting to wonder if it's the N64 itself. If the Swedish cable does this to, I give up. Just gonna live with it until I can get my hands on an ULTRAHDMI mod.
Good stuff, thanks for posting!
I was like, "I'll watch a couple minutes." ...an hour or so later they're wrapping up the show, ha! ...*ponders whether or not to buy new cables*
Shin Johnpv
Member
Same pretty much happened to me. On both counts, though I think I'm going to wait for Retrogamingcables.co.uk to get their next update. From the sounds of things on his interview on RetroRGB he's going to be offering affordable everything shielded cables soon across most if not all of his line.
Spent a pretty penny on a Saturn with Phoebe. Missus tossed that bulky chest from the bottom shelf of the retro space so I finally had the room for a couple more systems. But still, hope I didn't make a pricey mistake. I spent about the same for a HiDef AV Fami but I knew what I was getting with the NES library. My Saturn experience is only Tomb Raider and Mr Bones, latter of which I don't remember. I would've gotten Saturn long ago but I couldn't justify the insane ebay prices and for games I'm so unfamiliar with.
Oh wow I think you're gonna love it! I didn't get into it till a few years after it's demise and the library is really great and w/ Phoebe you'll get to see it all. I use Pseudo Saturn Kai to play CDRs but can't use a Ram cart + obviously the laser will eventually take it. I'm excited for you, post impressions on what you think in the Saturn thread!!
"Game" mode used to be a bunch of ugly sharpening and contrast and saturation boosts like "Sports" or "Vivid", in fact that's all all it was even on many laggy HDTVs of the late 2000s
Not sure what you mean by flickering, all CRTs will flicker compared to LCDs, and it will be more noticeable in your peripheral vision.
Oh ok, thanks for clarifying that for me.
That's good to hear. I figured the praise the library gets would mean there are at least a few dozen games I'd want to play. The PS1's library of 2D games pales in comparison to Saturn right? Both in quality and quantity I'm assuming.
cyborgnumberblue
Member
Yes, there are only a few instances where 2D PS games are superior to the Saturn versions. The Saturn is the better 2D system by far.
Buddy Mcpuddy
Member
So glad I waited, I actually came up in the waiting list but I couldn't justify the expense after picking up a Switch.
So I went to buy an NTSC Sega Genesis, they all had Pal, couldn't find an Snes mini as well and got really upset because I had this money for retro stuff and couldn't find anything to buy with.
As I sighed in the store I felt I hit something below me, it was an original Xbox laying on the floor that was just brought in by someone
Now I have an Xbox with no games I want to play on...
Please recommend me some Xbox games.
As I sighed in the store I felt I hit something below me, it was an original Xbox laying on the floor that was just brought in by someone
Now I have an Xbox with no games I want to play on...
Please recommend me some Xbox games.
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