IrishNinja
Member
oh man, fuck the chalice dungeons
defiled especially
defiled especially
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Upscalers, CRTs, PVMs & RGB: Retro gaming done right!
- Thread starter IrishNinja
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Sixfortyfive
He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
My advice would be to get a new capture card. You could get a Framemeister or XRGB-3 upscaler instead, and those would be worthwhile for other purposes as well, but they'd also be a bit more expensive.
An HDMI-only capture card is incredibly limiting for retro systems. Quite frankly, that one isn't even good for modern systems either since it doesn't support 1080p60. There are plenty of capture cards in the same price range that support other connections and more resolutions.
ThatsMytrunks
Member
Any suggestions?
ThatsMytrunks said:
If your console only have 'composhite' connections then its a waste of your time to try and get better captures, the picture quality you will get from the capture will not be great whatever you do I'm afraid
In which case your better of getting something like a cheap StarTech USB S-Video and Composite Video Capture Device
Startech and Micomsoft capture cards do RGB(though you need a Sync Strike or X-sync 1), plus Avermedia Game Broadcaster HD can capture it with a GBS 8200 board.
Huggers
Member
I'm well out of my depth already. What does a sync strike do exactly? Are those devices you listed all internal cards?
Sixfortyfive
He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
If you're only going to be using composite video, something like what Lettuce posted would probably be good enough. I know that Dazzle brand devices are popular budget choices as well, but I don't have any experience with them.
If you want higher quality captures, then you need to look into higher quality video outputs for your consoles. The image in the OP lays out what you can get without modding:
I don't know of any capture device that takes SCART straight-up. Your best bet is to find something that takes VGA, DVI-A, or component, and convert SCART to one of those formats.
You can convert SCART to VGA with either a Micomsoft XSYNC-1 (if you have Japanese RGB cables) or an ArcadeForge Sync Strike (if you have European RGB cables).
DVI-A and VGA are interchangeable. You just need a passive adapter to convert one to the other.
SCART-to-component converters are viable for cards that accept low resolutions over component. You might have to do some research to confirm if a component card can actually accept resolutions lower than 480p.
There are Micomsoft and Startech cards that will work if you go the VGA/DVI route. I can't personally verify any component card, although I know some are out there.
Sync strike lets you connect scart to vga to your capture card. As for the capture cards:
Internals:
Avermedia Game Broadcaster HD(requires GBS 8200)
Startech Pexhdcap
Startech Pexhdcap60L
Micomsoft SC-512N1-L
Micomsoft SC-512N1
External:
Startech USB3HDCAP
Micomsoft XCAPTURE-1
Yep, though I found it worth it, definitely when it comes to Sega Genesis. Once I got my Sync Strike along with my Startech Pexhdcap the difference between composite and RGB was night and day, like I never knew the Genesis can look that good.
This makes me want to post screenshots for comparisons.
Huggers
Member
I bet. The Mega Drive/Genesis rgb output looks super sharp.
So if I were to buy the Startech USB3HDCAP external. I'd need an sync strike to change RGB to vga and I'd be all set? Also, what does the device output to the screen via what cable when I'm actually playing?
Yep. And you need a VGA cable to connect from the sync strike to the capture card.
Huggers
Member
And to get the image to appear on both my PC and my CRT do I get some sort of splitter for the rgb output?
You'll probably need a GBS 8200 for PC, and probably CRT if it can't support 240p. Thankfully the GBS 8200 has 2 VGA outputs so you can hook both PC and CRT with VGA to them.
Huggers
Member
Cheers for your help Timu. Will get on it when funds allow.
Noisepurge
Member
Huggers
Member
Look! it's the Gen-signal!
(PVM14,RGB,Genesis,crappy mobilephoneshot)
Mobile phone or not it still looks great! I took this one a while back. It's RGB into a BVM. Can never go back
Has there been a redesign then as the one I have only has 1 vga output?
Mobile phone or not it still looks great! I took this one a while back. It's RGB into a BVM. Can never go back
When you get to BVM levels it starts to look like a crt shader for Retroarch
Here's mine:
Oh yeah, and Huggers, if you ever get one of these, be sure the scart cable has composite sync, or else you'll end up with half a picture.
heh i'm on this thing and want to upgrade badly but have no money to get the micomsoft card.
it does require to be paired with something that converts old systems to HDMI. i have the FM which takes care of that and my receiver used to do the job before i had the FM.
What's your budget? You can go Startech which has the same exact cards as Micomsoft(except for 1, though it does the same exact things as the other one).
eye cum negotiator
Banned
Anyone know if Sony PVM 20L5 has a hidden option to save geometry settings to a slot? It would be nice, since I have specific settings for my GBP/PSP, but if not then that's ok I guess.
Noisepurge
Member
i know, breaks my heart that i have a BVM in a warehouse storage as i don't have any room in my apartment for it at the moment :E
i think i could spend $200 max.
Huggers
Member
Yeah dude. Unreal picture. I'm on the hunt for a spare
Okay thanks, I have a feeling all my cables are composite sync as opposed to C-Sync but I'll have to check somehow
Ah that sucks, although awesome to have one for the future at least. They are huge units
Hey all,
I'm on the march to buy a Pikachu N64 for my partner for Christmas, and while they aren't a huge retro geek gamer like me, I do want to make sure I can get the best quality picture out of it for them (as I'll get annoyed if I don't when I'm inevitably playing MK64 or something else).
Do note that I'm in the UK and specifically looking at the PAL Pikachu N64 here.
So the console I've picked up from Ebay comes with the standard composite cable and SCART block for UK TVs, and fuck that nonsense. But I keep reading conflicting things about the RGB and cable support for N64s and I'm not sure where I stand now.
I've found Retro Gaming Cables, who seem to be saying (albeit very confusingly) that the RGB SCART cable is only going to work on NTSC N64s with an RGB mod.
This is backed up by this blog post, which recommends an S-Video cable instead. However, I'm also reading that some PAL N64 models don't output S-Video! Offending models are apparently the smoky clear models and the Pokemon models like I'm getting.
(Also, I'm not sure my partners' TV has an S-Video port to start with...)
Meanwhile, Consolegoods.co.uk stocks a SCART cable that they claim is specifically wired for PAL models. What's the deal with this? I presume it's not a proper RGB signal - is it just a composite signal wired into a SCART block? Should I even bother?
Anyone know what the situation is and what my options are here?
I'm on the march to buy a Pikachu N64 for my partner for Christmas, and while they aren't a huge retro geek gamer like me, I do want to make sure I can get the best quality picture out of it for them (as I'll get annoyed if I don't when I'm inevitably playing MK64 or something else).
Do note that I'm in the UK and specifically looking at the PAL Pikachu N64 here.
So the console I've picked up from Ebay comes with the standard composite cable and SCART block for UK TVs, and fuck that nonsense. But I keep reading conflicting things about the RGB and cable support for N64s and I'm not sure where I stand now.
I've found Retro Gaming Cables, who seem to be saying (albeit very confusingly) that the RGB SCART cable is only going to work on NTSC N64s with an RGB mod.
This is backed up by this blog post, which recommends an S-Video cable instead. However, I'm also reading that some PAL N64 models don't output S-Video! Offending models are apparently the smoky clear models and the Pokemon models like I'm getting.
(Also, I'm not sure my partners' TV has an S-Video port to start with...)Meanwhile, Consolegoods.co.uk stocks a SCART cable that they claim is specifically wired for PAL models. What's the deal with this? I presume it's not a proper RGB signal - is it just a composite signal wired into a SCART block? Should I even bother?
Anyone know what the situation is and what my options are here?
Noisepurge
Member
Yeah that was my plan
got one for cheap so i just stashed it until i get a bigger place where i can have a proper retro-setup for it. PVM 14" is fine until that day comes.
Huggers
Member
Hey all,
I'm on the march to buy a Pikachu N64 for my partner for Christmas, and while they aren't a huge retro geek gamer like me, I do want to make sure I can get the best quality picture out of it for them (as I'll get annoyed if I don't when I'm inevitably playing MK64 or something else).
Do note that I'm in the UK and specifically looking at the PAL Pikachu N64 here.
So the console I've picked up from Ebay comes with the standard composite cable and SCART block for UK TVs, and fuck that nonsense. But I keep reading conflicting things about the RGB and cable support for N64s and I'm not sure where I stand now.
I've found Retro Gaming Cables, who seem to be saying (albeit very confusingly) that the RGB SCART cable is only going to work on NTSC N64s with an RGB mod.
This is backed up by this blog post, which recommends an S-Video cable instead. However, I'm also reading that some PAL N64 models don't output S-Video! Offending models are apparently the smoky clear models and the Pokemon models like I'm getting.
Meanwhile, Consolegoods.co.uk stocks a SCART cable that they claim is specifically wired for PAL models. What's the deal with this? I presume it's not a proper RGB signal - is it just a composite signal wired into a SCART block? Should I even bother?
Anyone know what the situation is and what my options are here?
Pretty sure if you want RGB scart out of an N64 it needs modding man
Yeah that was my plan
Awesome. And a 14 inch PVM in the mean time is pretty fucking good in its own right
I was going to ask about capture cards, but looks like people already have been asking recently. Would the same apply to RGBs out on a PVM? Also would the same cards capture component as well?
I believe there is a save and load in the service menu.
I believe there is a save and load in the service menu.
eye cum negotiator
Banned
Are you maybe referring to "User Memory" in the user control section? It seems like have 3 options: Standard, Memory1 and Memory2. In any case, I'll try it out. Thanks for bringing that to my attention.
Edit: Nevermind, that seems to only affect contrast, etc and not actual geometry but that's okay I guess. It's not super necessary and I can live without it.
Hey all,
I'm on the march to buy a Pikachu N64 for my partner for Christmas, and while they aren't a huge retro geek gamer like me, I do want to make sure I can get the best quality picture out of it for them (as I'll get annoyed if I don't when I'm inevitably playing MK64 or something else).
Do note that I'm in the UK and specifically looking at the PAL Pikachu N64 here.
So the console I've picked up from Ebay comes with the standard composite cable and SCART block for UK TVs, and fuck that nonsense. But I keep reading conflicting things about the RGB and cable support for N64s and I'm not sure where I stand now.
I've found Retro Gaming Cables, who seem to be saying (albeit very confusingly) that the RGB SCART cable is only going to work on NTSC N64s with an RGB mod.
This is backed up by this blog post, which recommends an S-Video cable instead. However, I'm also reading that some PAL N64 models don't output S-Video! Offending models are apparently the smoky clear models and the Pokemon models like I'm getting.
Meanwhile, Consolegoods.co.uk stocks a SCART cable that they claim is specifically wired for PAL models. What's the deal with this? I presume it's not a proper RGB signal - is it just a composite signal wired into a SCART block? Should I even bother?
Anyone know what the situation is and what my options are here?
the pikachu N64 is an abomination anyway since it cut out the 64DD plug.
N64's need to be modded to get RGB out of them. Up until last year there was only a few models that could actually be modded but now more or less all models of N64s can be modded.....
http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=209&rn=548&action=show_detail
But these mods aren't for the beginner
http://etim.net.au/shop/shop.php?crn=209&rn=548&action=show_detail
But these mods aren't for the beginner
sixteen-bit
Member
Funky Papa
FUNK-Y-PPA-4
LAWD
Yup, that looks AMAZING.
Barrel Cannon
Member
I'm planning to get a Projector this boxing day
( I'm getting the budget-conscious Benq w1080ST) for my XB1/PS4/WiiU. However I sort of want to connect my older consoles to it too, as I have been doing with my current TV which the projector will be replacing.
I realize blowing up most older 2D and even 3d games to 1080p and 80 inch+ sizes might be a bit much for an upscaler, so I was wondering if it would be worth getting an upscaler still. I do replay my older consoles quite a bit(particularly my SNES, Gamecube and Xbox)
Does anyone here have a projector/upscaler setup for their old consoles like that and do you think it was justifiable getting an upscaler for your projector?
Canada's Black Friday
I realize blowing up most older 2D and even 3d games to 1080p and 80 inch+ sizes might be a bit much for an upscaler, so I was wondering if it would be worth getting an upscaler still. I do replay my older consoles quite a bit(particularly my SNES, Gamecube and Xbox)
Does anyone here have a projector/upscaler setup for their old consoles like that and do you think it was justifiable getting an upscaler for your projector?
I went to the arcade again last night. Seeing all those monitors in action and seeing how differently each one handles 240p is like straight up porn.
Each one looks unique and special like priceless 200 year old violins or something.
Some gorgeous Contra pics from my visit will be posted in the scanline screenshots thread. Stay tuned.
Each one looks unique and special like priceless 200 year old violins or something.
Some gorgeous Contra pics from my visit will be posted in the scanline screenshots thread. Stay tuned.
Huggers
Member
I saw that on Ebay too. He's got 250 or best offer. I'd say offer 150 and see what happens. I'd be interested in it but Rochdale is a long way from me
speedlolita
Member
I want a PVM-2130QM myself. I also wouldn't want to pay over £50. I can dream, right?
Yeah, i offer £125 but he came back with £230!!......i know its a PVM and it has a massive screen but there isnt a lot of geometry settings you can alter, just V hold and screen position, you cant alter the screen size or pincushion for example with out opening the monitor up and messing around with pots.
And as you said its like a 3hr drive from me and just dont think its worth it even if i could get it for £100!
speedlolita
Member
Has anyone got any experience with one of these? http://www.skooterblog.com/en/2015/01/16/ebay-switch-scart-rgb-de-metal-com-3-entradas-e-1-saida/
I recently picked up a Hama AV Selector 100S and while it appears to be a well functioning switch, the aesthetic and build quality leave a lot to be desired.
Given that the above appears to be a clone of it, with a nicer aesthetic and build quality I was thinking about picking one up.
I recently picked up a Hama AV Selector 100S and while it appears to be a well functioning switch, the aesthetic and build quality leave a lot to be desired.
Given that the above appears to be a clone of it, with a nicer aesthetic and build quality I was thinking about picking one up.
I say go for the Bandridge 5 Scart box (the one that lets you manually select). It even has its own audio out.
speedlolita
Member
I already have one, and a B-Tech BT945 Quintro+.
I'm not especially fond with the rear facing SCART sockets though - prefer to spacing between sockets on the unit in the link and the Hama.
I do, been using it over a year. Basically, there are 2 ways to power it up. 1 is to use power from a GBS 8200. But the easiest and best way is to use scart itself, yes, it powers on automatically through a scart cable.
Thank you, I appreciate it. So in this case I wouldn't need a US power adapter option as well? Do you have any scart selectors or anythings before you introduce the sync strike?
I'm trying to figure out whether power will be carried by the time RGB is output by my PVM.
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