• Hey, guest user. Hope you're enjoying NeoGAF! Have you considered registering for an account? Come join us and add your take to the daily discourse.

Upscalers, CRTs, PVMs & RGB: Retro gaming done right!

Status
Not open for further replies.

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
well, i pulled the trigger and ordered an XRGB mini with the money i had saved for a Black 3DSXL.

i look forward to seeing how much all these consoles that require upscaling end up looking on my TV. running the XRGB mini with the TV's native resolution is the best way to run it, right?

also, i have an official S-Video cable for N64. is that good enough to make the RGB mod unnecesary?

S-video on N64 through the XRGB looks really good, actually.

RGB would still technically be better... but it's not at all a night and day difference. Get the mod only if you are extremely picky.

I guess we're all "picky" on some level as XRGB owners... but s-video is definitely that "nice and correct" image we are all seeking, with RGB just having slightly better blacks, less blur if you look really close, etc.
 

IrishNinja

Member
also, i have an official S-Video cable for N64. is that good enough to make the RGB mod unnecesary?

i never saw N64 upscaled on s-vid, as neither my tv or receiver support that format anymore sadly...i will say that anything's better than composite on an HDTV, but considering how cheap it is to RGB mod it (especially with bapho's offer there) id consider it personally

What problems are you having, out of curiosity?

well, i ordered the component from ebay (still trying to find the one my buddy lost) and the image was just jumping all over the place. i think either 16-bit or tekno told me to mess with the color options in the system settings, but i accidentally clicked RGB and now dont get any image, so i gotta look up how to hard reset that setting. after that, ill try the other settings and if nothing else, hopefully get my old cable back soon to try that one.
 

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
i never saw N64 upscaled on s-vid, as neither my tv or receiver support that format anymore sadly...i will say that anything's better than composite on an HDTV, but considering how cheap it is to RGB mod it (especially with bapho's offer there) id consider it personally

The thing is, if you already have an s-video cable for N64... it suddenly becomes a matter of paying ~$50+ just for 'ever so slightly better'.

If you didn't have an s-video cable, of course I'd recommend sinking the cash into RGB instead.

well, i ordered the component from ebay (still trying to find the one my buddy lost) and the image was just jumping all over the place. i think either 16-bit or tekno told me to mess with the color options in the system settings, but i accidentally clicked RGB and now dont get any image, so i gotta look up how to hard reset that setting. after that, ill try the other settings and if nothing else, hopefully get my old cable back soon to try that one.

Yeah I think just try another component cable.

Actually the one I'm using now occasionally loses sync for a moment... but it's a rare occurrence. I'm going to try another cable myself.
 

Ban Puncher

Member
So I got my XRGB Framemeister last week.

g3cdg.gif


Stunning.
 

Yes Boss!

Member
is this...is this the code i need to reset the PS2's setting? ima try this!

Yeah, I've done this before. I just googled "blind navigate PS2 menu." Does not do a hard reset but lets you change back to component from RGB:

"turn it on, with no games inside

wait like 10 seconds - 20 seconds

push [down] [x] (this brings you to system settings)

[down] [down] [down] [x] (this brings you to component video selection)

push
(then push [x])"​
 
The AC Adapter indeed works, however, make note that it's rated for 100V AC input. Your walls will be outputting 120V. While it'll work, I like to be on the safe side, and I bought a 100V-240V universal adapter.

This one here has enough amperage and the correct tip included:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NNFECS/?tag=neogaf0e-20

On the safe side? Are we talking like breaking the XRGB-mini or more like burning my house down? Should I not use it until I get a different plug?

Does anyone have good settings for NES and SNES I can try?

I need to find me some official SNES RGB cables...
 

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
On the safe side? Are we talking like breaking the XRGB-mini or more like burning my house down? Should I not use it until I get a different plug?
You are in North America, yes? I think those in Europe MUST use an appropriate converter.

But for myself in North America... my XRGB has been plugged in nonstop for 6+ months with no converter ... and I only plugged it in after someone assured me that theirs has been plugged in nonstop for 6+ months. The voltage difference between Japan and North America seems to be negligible.

Dude, a lot of folks here have been using Japanese game systems and Japanese AC Adapters for 25+ years in the US. No issues...you will be fine.

Exactly.
 

Yes Boss!

Member
On the safe side? Are we talking like breaking the XRGB-mini or more like burning my house down? Should I not use it until I get a different plug.

Dude, a lot of folks here have been using Japanese game systems and Japanese AC Adapters for 25+ years in the US. No issues...you will be fine.
 

Lettuce

Member
You are in North America, yes? I think those in Europe MUST use an appropriate converter.

But for myself in North America... my XRGB has been plugged in nonstop for 6+ months with no converter ... and I only plugged it in after someone assured me that theirs has been plugged in nonstop for 6+ months. The voltage difference between Japan and North America seems to be negligible.

This is the PSU i got for UK use.....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005JO0IO0/
 
someone on the SHMUPs forum basically convinced me to go with the non-raw one, since id been using that already and had no problems/weird effects. i emailed the seller but again she's gonna ship long before replying, her Q&A section on most auctions mentions being flooded with questions so i guess that's it

Cool. Just didn't know if the n64 would be different, like the genesis, and give problems with non raw. Site I was using for advise on these things since I know the seller doesn't really respond anymore (http://www.retrorgb.com/index.html) didn't really have anything to say about what cable type, just info on the mod for n64.
 

Bar81

Member
Dude, a lot of folks here have been using Japanese game systems and Japanese AC Adapters for 25+ years in the US. No issues...you will be fine.

Precisely. All these components are built with tolerances because voltage is not constant - it fluctuates and sometimes significantly (where I am 220V standard can hit 245V+). The difference between JP and US voltage is well within tolerances. When I was home in Socal I just plugged in all of my consoles at the wall and never had any issues.
 

Morfeo

The Chuck Norris of Peace
I have an old Toploader Nes that I want modded, does anybody have some modders that they can recommend? I have considered to do it myself as well, but I think I just want to be sure that its done properly and not risking screwing it up.

Edit: I see this might be the wrong thread for this question, but I wanted to use it with an upscaler in the future if that is possible, so I guess it is kinda relevant :)
 

plc268

Member
Dude, a lot of folks here have been using Japanese game systems and Japanese AC Adapters for 25+ years in the US. No issues...you will be fine.

At the same time, there's a lot of people that use stepdown converters (like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PC4JL4/?tag=neogaf0e-20 ) to power japanese equipment.

While I'm sure 120V AC might fit in the tolerances of an adapter that accepts 100V AC, I rather be on the safe side an just get an appropriate adapter.
 

IrishNinja

Member
hahaha damn, she can't keep up with the demand these days...her shit sells right out, then she dips for a month to get the next batch going. she needs to add a partner or something! seriously, i debated buying one of those neo geo ones just to have it down the road, her quality is top-notch

i'd let her mod my NES if you know what i mean
 

Danny Dudekisser

I paid good money for this Dynex!
hahaha damn, she can't keep up with the demand these days...her shit sells right out, then she dips for a month to get the next batch going. she needs to add a partner or something! seriously, i debated buying one of those neo geo ones just to have it down the road, her quality is top-notch

i'd let her mod my NES if you know what i mean

Really? I always figured you for a slot-loader, if you know what I mean.
 

ballerusk

Member
If I want to buy a RGB cable for my JP PS1 and JP Saturn, and S-video for my JP N64 - would any on eBay be enough, or is there a world of shady cables?

I want the signal to be as best as possible into the Framemeister ... when I get that far.
 

IrishNinja

Member
hahaha

Since you brought it up, is there a reason to try to get the raw sync cable if I'm going to use it with the n64, or is the normal one fine just like for the snes?

by the way, just got a reply from her:

These cables will work fine with the ths7314 amp circuitry. The only thing you need to be wary of is the sync version of the cable. Sync might not be connected in the n64 you have - at any rate I can't see a difference between the non sync and sync based images on a modified n64.
 

baphomet

Member
If I want to buy a RGB cable for my JP PS1 and JP Saturn, and S-video for my JP N64 - would any on eBay be enough, or is there a world of shady cables?

I want the signal to be as best as possible into the Framemeister ... when I get that far.

My $4 PS1 RGB cable looks amazing that I got off eBay. Of course it's not super high quality like some of the others out there, but it definitely gets the job done well.
 

STG!

Member
Just got an Xcapture-1 in the mail today, this thing is amazing. First, I'm shocked that it worked the first time for me, I thought I'd be fiddling with this device all evening. Installed the drivers, plugged in some cables, and it just worked... I'm happily surprised, so time to get to business! Been recording some Progear runs on it and it actually correctly shows the speed of the game. I'm still waiting for some cables to hook it up properly to my setup, but so far I'm impressed.
 

baphomet

Member
Looking at the universal ppu page, and it looks like he has finished the pcb layout. This seems to be coming along very well. I cannot wait for it to be available to purchase. As long as its good quality and gives me the ability to run rgb/svideo and costs less than $150 I'm there day 1. If its not I'm going to have to break down and go for a premodded av famicom. Looking at some of the installs I honestly don't think I could do it myself.
 

IrishNinja

Member
^yeah again my usual modder thinks he could handle it, i was waiting on a quote but he did offer to put a switch to kill the lockout chip as well, which i thought was cool.

sub $150 would indeed be awesome. but yeah if it somehow doesn't pan out, are premodded av fami's rare/expensive in comparison?
 

baphomet

Member
^yeah again my usual modder thinks he could handle it, i was waiting on a quote but he did offer to put a switch to kill the lockout chip as well, which i thought was cool.

sub $150 would indeed be awesome. but yeah if it somehow doesn't pan out, are premodded av fami's rare/expensive in comparison?

I feel like I've seen them sell for $350-450 premodded. To be honest, I would love to attempt the mod myself. I could probably get it working with some trial and error, but when a small error kills a $200 play choice 10 ppu I'd leave it to someone who can for sure do it. Even if it costs more that way.

I hope the universal ppu doesn't have any jailbar issues, and is something I can install myself. That would be great. Like I was saying, I just really don't ever feel like playing my nes right now because of the pictures I've seen in here. I want them to look as good as possible before I really start trying to expand my collection beyond what it is right now.
 
Agh, USD/JPY is in complete freefall now. As soon as it was approaching crossing 100 again, it plummets to 96.5 over the course of several days.

Great.
 
Question guys... might be dumb. Everything is listed in "Euros" and every review seems to be done by a british dude.

It makes me think of course this is ideal for the shafted pal gamers back in the day but for a canadian guy like me who's playing ntsc on 60hz, is it a waste of cash for me?

The image below looks like it's of emulator quality which I'd absolutely love to have on my TV. If I get the framemeister it'll help me achieve that look on my nes/snes/n64?

30090-mana_untouched.png
 

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
Question guys... might be dumb. Everything is listed in "Euros" and every review seems to be done by a british dude.

It makes me think of course this is ideal for the shafted pal gamers back in the day but for a canadian guy like me who's playing ntsc on 60hz, is it a waste of cash for me?

The image below looks like it's of emulator quality which I'd absolutely love to have on my TV. If I get the framemeister it'll help me achieve that look on my nes/snes/n64?

30090-mana_untouched.png

In a way it's even better for us Canadians (or Americans). In PAL they have always had SCART cables, but a device like this is the first time we NTSC people have ever had RGB input.

And yes, the picture on a TV with the framemeister will be "emulator-like". But it actually looks far better than that emulator screenshot IMO. That looks far too "harsh" and the framemeister looks more like an ideal image. I think you will get the quality you are seeking with this thing.
 
In a way it's even better for us Canadians (or Americans). In PAL they have always had SCART cables, but a device like this is the first time we NTSC people have ever had RGB input.

And yes, the picture on a TV with the framemeister will be "emulator-like". But it actually looks far better than that emulator screenshot IMO. That looks far too "harsh" and the framemeister looks more like an ideal image. I think you will get the quality you are seeking with this thing.

Looks like I'm gonna get it this christmas ;)

So I can just feed it an a/v input and hdmi out it to my hdtv right? That's all it takes besides fiddling around with the software settings?
 

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
Looks like I'm gonna get it this christmas ;)

So I can just feed it an a/v input and hdmi out it to my hdtv right? That's all it takes besides fiddling around with the software settings?
Yup. That's it.

Just make sure you get RGB cables as well. You can use the usual composite or s-video in... But if you're buying a Framemeister, you might as well spend the $15-20 to get an RGB cable. That will yield that "emulator-like" quality (or CRT tube TV look, if you turn on scanlines)

you could, but it's better to use RGB on consoles that support it for the best image
"AV input" might mean composite, s-video or RGB.... But yeah, if he's using the word to mean composite (the "yellow cable")... Don't do that. Get RGB.
 
Yeah, I meant the yellow/red/white. My bad lol.

So you're saying get rgb cables? Do you mean that there are individual rgb cables being sold for snes/nes/n64?
 

Yes Boss!

Member
Yeah, I meant the yellow/red/white. My bad lol.

So you're saying get rgb cables? Do you mean that there are individual rgb cables being sold for snes/nes/n64?

Also, if you are getting a Framemeister...don't forget about Wii and its tremendous VC catalog...presented in 240p via component then upscaled to 720p on your HDTV. A lot of folks discount it since all the rage is original hardware but the setup is probably the single best retro thing you can have going on in your gameroom.

So, take this (the Best Nintendo system ever created):



Add a component cable (official one is cool since it has Nintendo on the plug):



Then get the $15 Component->D-Terminal Adapter:



Plug that in to the Framemeister:



Enjoy perfect 240p picture with scanlines on your HDTV...of over 500 of the best 8 and 16-bit titles:



 
I've got the consoles and the games though lol. Would I need like some RGB SCART cable for my console then convert that to composite? Or Component/hdmi?

Edit: Oh my bad, I didn't see the Terminal.

Maybe I'd get an RGB SCART cable thingie?

My thoughts right now are:

RGB Scart from the console to an SCART to Component converter to the terminal to the framemeister.

Edit: All this SCART stuff I'm talking about, I apologize if I'm talking as if I know anything. I actually don't.
 

Yes Boss!

Member
RGB Scart from the console to an SCART to Component converter to the terminal to the framemeister.

Edit: All this SCART stuff I'm talking about, I apologize if I'm talking as if I know anything. I actually don't.

Nah,

Screw the whole component input. That is only good for all the great Wii VC stuff, PS2, and PSP.

Use RGB for everything else. That all goes in through the front via the "RGB IN" through an adapter (included with the Mini). If you are going SCART then you need to change that JPN-21 adapter to a SCART Euro adapter so you can take all the RGB via SCART from all your systems. Usually a $15 cable per system or a mod or both. Usually just a cable. Or keep it all JPN-21 and then buy all JPN-21 cables (far more pricey and difficult to obtain, though).

And does not matter if you own the systems already. Just mentioning the Wii because it is an absolute gold mine with stunning presentation...for relatively cheap. And fantastically convenient. I'd wager there are at least a few dozen games on there that are not in your collection.
 

butanebob

Neo Member
Also, if you are getting a Framemeister...don't forget about Wii and its tremendous VC catalog...presented in 240p via component then upscaled to 720p on your HDTV. A lot of folks discount it since all the rage is original hardware but the setup is probably the single best retro thing you can have going on in your gameroom.


Do any of the homebrew emulators support 240p on the wii? Or just the VC...
 

SMT

this show is not Breaking Bad why is it not Breaking Bad? it should be Breaking Bad dammit Breaking Bad
Last I checked, we were all going bonkers for the Frame Meister 2, what's the best one nowadays?
 
Last I checked, we were all going bonkers for the Frame Meister 2, what's the best one nowadays?

There's no Frame Meister 2. You're probably thinking of the XRGB2.
Framemeister is the newest and best Micomsoft upscan converter for old games.
 

IrishNinja

Member
How does a GameCube look hooked up to one of these things?

fantastic - i do component though, not RGB. id take pics but my camera sucks.

was just playing Mario Kart 64 on my new RGB cables, lookin good! natural setting really does seem best for interlaced images, shame this magic box cant add some AA to the image tho, haha
 
fantastic - i do component though, not RGB. id take pics but my camera sucks.

was just playing Mario Kart 64 on my new RGB cables, lookin good! natural setting really does seem best for interlaced images, shame this magic box cant add some AA to the image tho, haha
Would component make a difference on my PAL console?
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom