• 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.

Zerokku

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
So this is a stupid question and I know I'm going to feel like an idiot when someone answers it.

So Framemeister. D-Terminal to Component Adapter. Component cables coming from my PS2. Picture looks great, but how do I get sound?

(Also any recommended settings for the PS2? Mostly for PS1 games and 99% 480i ps2 games. I know Scart is best but until retro_console_accessories has one for sale, I'm making do with component)
 
Is there an official sony brand of speakers to attach to bvm's or pvm's? My bvm is coming next week and I need speakers to hear the audio.

Any recommendations?
 

Roge_NES

Member
So this is a stupid question and I know I'm going to feel like an idiot when someone answers it.

So Framemeister. D-Terminal to Component Adapter. Component cables coming from my PS2. Picture looks great, but how do I get sound?

(Also any recommended settings for the PS2? Mostly for PS1 games and 99% 480i ps2 games. I know Scart is best but until retro_console_accessories has one for sale, I'm making do with component)

The Mini has left and right (White and Red) audio inputs next to the D-Terminal input, just plug them there and you're good to go.

For Component I found the recommended settings from the XRGB Wiki work really well.
Try these along with the recommended settings for 480i and 240P

Color_Set:
Brightness: 32
Gamma: 15
Black: 0
Hue: 46
Saturation: 24
Special:
A/D_Level: 131
 
With my BVM as long as you exit the menus properly. Press enter on the setting you changed. Then the channel is set that way until you adjust it again

Does it? Thought I've tried setting different screen sizes on my BVM-D20F1U for different channels but it seems that changes to the alignment menu are across the board. Haven't been able to find channel specific settings for alignment in any of the deeper menus.

Who knows though, while I was fiddling with my set right now to double check that I couldn't find out how to adjust how bright the on screen display text was when I know I've found that before.
 

Zerokku

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
The Mini has left and right (White and Red) audio inputs next to the D-Terminal input, just plug them there and your good to go.

...

I have my framemeister in a kind of tight area so didn't actually turn it around to see that. Thanks! Knew it was as simple as me being an idiot :D
 
So I found in my PVM 20L5 a secret menu when you push Degauss + Enter while the original menu is up. There's a few cool options that let you change the width/height (I've been looking for this for a while and didn't get any answers).

Is there a way to save width/heights to use them later with the push of a button, or will it require modifying all the time?
After you have your settings the way you want them to default to when you turn your monitor on, press Degauss. If it's like my 20M2U, the word "Write" will appear below the settings. Pressing Degauss a second time will save the settings (noted by an asterisk). Don't turn the monitor off while it's saving.
 
n00b question:
For the model 1 Genesis and neo geo scart cables made by retro_console_accessories there are versions with the headphone jack. If you get this version, can you still get audio from the non-headphone source (for example using the neo geo cable on the neo geo cd system)?
 
n00b question:
For the model 1 Genesis and neo geo scart cables made by retro_console_accessories there are versions with the headphone jack. If you get this version, can you still get audio from the non-headphone source (for example using the neo geo cable on the neo geo cd system)?
These cables are using the stereo jack for audio and patching it into the scart output. I just tested the Model 1 Genesis, and I can tell you that the system will output stereo audio from the stereo jack and mono audio from the AV multiout simultaneously. If you want to take audio from both sources, I'd get the non-stereo cable, so your scart cable would be pulling RGB and mono audio from the multiout. Then get a separate cable for the stereo/headphone jack.

I'm unsure about the Neogeo.
 
These cables are using the stereo jack for audio and patching it into the scart output. I just tested the Model 1 Genesis, and I can tell you that the system will output stereo audio from the stereo jack and mono audio from the AV multiout simultaneously. If you want to take audio from both sources, I'd get the non-stereo cable, so your scart cable would be pulling RGB and mono audio from the multiout. Then get a separate cable for the stereo/headphone jack.

I'm unsure about the Neogeo.

Thanks for your reply. Do you see any downside to getting the cable with the headphone jack? If I understand correctly if you didn't plug in the headphone portion of the cable, it should still pull the mono.

Other than $3 cheaper, trying to think of there's any reason to get this one:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=201285026590

Instead of this one:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=161569335481
 
Thanks for your reply. Do you see any downside to getting the cable with the headphone jack? If I understand correctly if you didn't plug in the headphone portion of the cable, it should still pull the mono.

Other than $3 cheaper, trying to think of there's any reason to get this one:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=201285026590

Instead of this one:
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=161569335481
You might want to confirm with the seller because I'm thinking the second one isn't taking any audio from the AV port and instead only the stereo headphone jack. Here, let me illustrate what I think is going on for these cables:

cablesu5ul8.png

In my personal setup, I'm getting the cable with stereo audio patched into the SCART connector because that's what suits me best. There are probably people out there who want both the mono audio AND the stereo audio, so they would go with something like the third scenario I drew up using a separate audio cable for stereo and just getting mono on the SCART cable. Either way, if you want stereo audio, expect slightly more cable mess--that's pretty much the only downside. And again, I don't know if plugging something into the headphone jack on a Neo Geo will disable the audio from the AV port, but the Genesis will output both simultaneously.
 

Bar81

Member
These cables are using the stereo jack for audio and patching it into the scart output. I just tested the Model 1 Genesis, and I can tell you that the system will output stereo audio from the stereo jack and mono audio from the AV multiout simultaneously. If you want to take audio from both sources, I'd get the non-stereo cable, so your scart cable would be pulling RGB and mono audio from the multiout. Then get a separate cable for the stereo/headphone jack.

I'm unsure about the Neogeo.

Neo Geo is the same.
 

antibolo

Banned
Woah I just had this horrible dream where I had guests at my apartment, and went to the convenience store to pick up a few things, and when I came back my PVM was gone, my guests took it upon themselves to throw it away at the nearest garbage dump, thinking they were doing me a favor by getting rid of this obsolete old screen.

I... I'm not sure what my subconscious was trying to tell me here.
 

Peltz

Member
I once had a dream in junior high that I owned a Gameboy Color made out of poptarts and ate it before I could play Pokemon Blue.

I'm not sure why I shared that :-/
 

Pachimari

Member
If you're in North America, look for a CRT with at least one component, s-video, and composite input each. Ideally, you'd want an EDTV (480p progressive scan support), but those aren't always easy to find, so you might have to settle on a normal SDTV (480i).

As far as consumer CRTs go, EDTVs are especially desirable for the Playstation 2 because, out of all mainstream consoles, its library has the greatest divide between 480i and 480p games. A TV that perfectly supports both video formats is nice to have.

I advise against HDTV CRTs (1080i/720p) for reasons already stated in the OP (which you should read in full if you haven't).

As always, try out CRTs before you buy, if possible. Make sure all the input jacks work and make sure that the screen isn't severely distorted in any way.

Thanks for this advice, which I will be aware of when buying.
I just think it might be impossible to find such an EDTV here in Denmark, Scandinavia.

All I can find of used televisions are these on DBA.
 
Woah I just had this horrible dream where I had guests at my apartment, and went to the convenience store to pick up a few things, and when I came back my PVM was gone, my guests took it upon themselves to throw it away at the nearest garbage dump, thinking they were doing me a favor by getting rid of this obsolete old screen.

I... I'm not sure what my subconscious was trying to tell me here.

That sounds awful man. "Dudebro I got rid of that clunky screen and got you an edgelit LED brah" *wakes up in cold sweat*
 

IrishNinja

Member

today is the day, brehs
there's a bit of off-color/interference in the top right-hand corner, but otherwise it's absolutely glorious! buddy who donated it was showing off his badass BVM earlier today; i had no idea they went so far in the back, haha. also the "remote" looks like a switchbox! but while 2D stuff like Yoshi's Island looked as gorgeous as expected, it was MGS1 that really floored me; i totally never saw that detail in the day over composite.

anyway, so happy to have this option now. can anyone help me get a SCART extension cable though? i just need something 5' or just a bit more so i don't have to mess with all my RGB cables by the XRGB mini...setup looks great right now, totally gonna post in the old school setup thread soon.

I had a dream last week that I was holding a Neo Geo Everdrive.

Then I woke up and was sad.

...well shit, now i'm sad too
 

IrishNinja

Member
thanks man! the real CRT is the 32" trinotron (with component!) in the closet right now for a lack of space, i forget the model # but that's the 15" PVM which totally fit out in the living room. not very large, but it's crazy sharp and now we've got not only something for lightgun games, but TATE mode SHMUPs!
 

D.Lo

Member
thanks man! the real CRT is the 32" trinotron (with component!) in the closet right now for a lack of space, i forget the model # but that's the 15" PVM which totally fit out in the living room. not very large, but it's crazy sharp and now we've got not only something for lightgun games, but TATE mode SHMUPs!
One day I'll have a dedicated TATE setup. Maybe a switch box so I can send Saturn/PS1/PS2 to the TATE screen without having a second console.
 

IrishNinja

Member
D Lo - can you link me to a good male to female SCART cable, 5" or so? just need to extend shit for my setup, also will i see any signal degradation using another cable?
 

D.Lo

Member
D Lo - can you link me to a good male to female SCART cable, 5" or so? just need to extend shit for my setup, also will i see any signal degradation using another cable?
I use a male/male cable and a female/female coupler. Much easier to come across!

Not sure where to get the best quality cables, mine are just cheap eBay cables and aren't the best honestly, some audio interference on blue screens. I need a good male/male source myself, I believe Jintor mentioned he knows of some?
 

Fox Mulder

Member
Woah I just had this horrible dream where I had guests at my apartment, and went to the convenience store to pick up a few things, and when I came back my PVM was gone, my guests took it upon themselves to throw it away at the nearest garbage dump, thinking they were doing me a favor by getting rid of this obsolete old screen.

I... I'm not sure what my subconscious was trying to tell me here.

Mine weights like 100 pounds, pretty good deterrent.

Is there an official sony brand of speakers to attach to bvm's or pvm's? My bvm is coming next week and I need speakers to hear the audio.

Any recommendations?

I just use a set of nice pc speakers with a sub. Why not get great sound when you have a great screen.
 

Sixfortyfive

He who pursues two rabbits gets two rabbits.
Thanks for this advice, which I will be aware of when buying.
I just think it might be impossible to find such an EDTV here in Denmark, Scandinavia.

All I can find of used televisions are these on DBA.
If you live in Europe, you'd mostly want an RGB SCART input jack instead of (or in addition to) the above.
 

IrishNinja

Member
Awesome pick up Irish Ninja. I can't enjoy consumer CRTs anymore. I've been spoiled

thanks man, and agreed! just need a few more pieces if anyone can link em:

1) male to female SCART cable/extender (5' or so)

2) i have the BNC to RGB adapter (thanks again Mzo) with audio out going into the receiver, but i noticed the PVM does mono audio itself - is there a Y adapter or the like to allow for stereo out in one direction, and mono in the other?
 

Khaz

Member
thanks man, and agreed! just need a few more pieces if anyone can link em:

1) male to female SCART cable/extender (5' or so)

2) i have the BNC to RGB adapter (thanks again Mzo) with audio out going into the receiver, but i noticed the PVM does mono audio itself - is there a Y adapter or the like to allow for stereo out in one direction, and mono in the other?

This, and a normal good quality Scart cable. I looked for a coupler with Audio in/out but couldn't find one, only male/female with audio in/out. You'll have to get something like this and play Lego with your cables. I'm not sure what you're trying to do with your sound but it should cover it anyway.
 

KC-Slater

Member
That's a solid PVM, IrishNinja! I have the same model, and it's a nice compromise of physical-footprint and image quality!

I haven't done the measuring yet, but I have envisioned putting it in one of these IKEA shelving units, along with a bunch of my retro games and vinyl. I'm almost afraid to measure it out, though, as I think I'll be crushed if the display is slightly too large to fit...
 

antibolo

Banned
Awesome pick up Irish Ninja. I can't enjoy consumer CRTs anymore. I've been spoiled

Before owning a PVM I used a Commodore 1702 monitor for old consoles. Now I can't even look at it anymore, I can't believe I actually thought it had a good picture quality.
 

Huggers

Member
Before owning a PVM I used a Commodore 1702 monitor for old consoles. Now I can't even look at it anymore, I can't believe I actually thought it had a good picture quality.

Similarly I have a Bang and Olufsen Mx4002 which is a beautiful CRT. Next to the BVM picture wise though, it looks awful. I might even grab a second broadcast monitor for my setup
 

IrishNinja

Member
This, and a normal good quality Scart cable. I looked for a coupler with Audio in/out but couldn't find one, only male/female with audio in/out. You'll have to get something like this and play Lego with your cables. I'm not sure what you're trying to do with your sound but it should cover it anyway.

ah, okay, so i shouldnt lose too much with another cable + that female coupler yeah?
and soundwise, i have the red/whites from the RGB cable going into my receiver, just wanted to see if i could split off another single cable back to the PVM itself, since it has a mono speaker i believe...my setup has it adjacent to the plasma/XRGB so i just thought it'd be neat to have another option when people are playing games on the big screen, like the Wii-U but you know, awesome

That's a solid PVM, IrishNinja! I have the same model, and it's a nice compromise of physical-footprint and image quality!

awesome, thanks man! i totally put my i heart retro sticker on the top of it covering a mark, haha. what's the model # anyway? totally forgot to check it out - dude said he had it professionally calibrated so i'm not touching the settings.
 

KC-Slater

Member
what's the model # anyway? totally forgot to check it out - dude said he had it professionally calibrated so i'm not touching the settings.

It's the Sony-PVM 14M2U. It's pretty easy to find the regular manual online, and I think I have a .pdf of the service manual somewhere if you ever need it. Despite the mono-speaker, the sound isn't too bad!
 

samwizered

Member
I have a question regarding RGB output for Dreamcast.

What would be the best option for hooking up a Dreamcast to a 480i-only CRT? The TV has component input, but component cables for Dreamcast simply don't exist (correct me if I'm wrong). Since my TV doesn't support progressive scan, VGA is also out of the question, sadly.

Currently, I've got my Dreamcast hooked up with S-video. It's a nice step up from composite, but I'd love to have it output 480i RGB if possible. Is there a way to do this, or am I stuck with S-video?
 

baphomet

Member
I have a question regarding RGB output for Dreamcast.

What would be the best option for hooking up a Dreamcast to a 480i-only CRT? The TV has component input, but component cables for Dreamcast simply don't exist (correct me if I'm wrong). Since my TV doesn't support progressive scan, VGA is also out of the question, sadly.

Currently, I've got my Dreamcast hooked up with S-video. It's a nice step up from composite, but I'd love to have it output 480i RGB if possible. Is there a way to do this, or am I stuck with S-video?

RGB cables with a scart to component converter may work. But there are some games that aren't compatible with them.
 

samwizered

Member
RGB cables with a scart to component converter may work. But there are some games that aren't compatible with them.

I've looked into this a little bit. I could get this SCART cable for starters, but converting that to component is the tricky bit.

This seems to be the best converter I can find, but the big question I have is: where is the audio out?
 

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
Congrats on that PVM (BVM?) Irish!

You followed me on the XRGB path a couple years ago, and now I'll be following you down the PVM path eventually. Enjoy!
 

IrishNinja

Member
I just want one of those Euro SCART to 8pin adapters. I trust her's far more than that retrogamingcables site.

no doubt, ive had nothing but good experiences from her cables...even the N64 one i damaged in my last move works great!

heads-up though: i just messaged to see if she could do a 5' male to female SCART and got an auto response saying she's out of town at the moment

Congrats on that PVM (BVM?) Irish!

You followed me on the XRGB path a couple years ago, and now I'll be following you down the PVM path eventually. Enjoy!

thanks m'man, you were a big help indeed! it's a fun option to have on the side, already looking into a Justifier for my Genesis now that i can use guns again, haha
 
no doubt, ive had nothing but good experiences from her cables...even the N64 one i damaged in my last move works great!

heads-up though: i just messaged to see if she could do a 5' male to female SCART and got an auto response saying she's out of town at the moment

She had that "out of town" status on Ebay for a while. Initially said it would end sometime in February I believe. Think it's likely now that she's posted sales that she'll disable that message. You might've just been too quick lol.
 

BocoDragon

or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Realize This Assgrab is Delicious
thanks m'man, you were a big help indeed! it's a fun option to have on the side, already looking into a Justifier for my Genesis now that i can use guns again, haha

Good point about light guns. I suddenly want a GunCon.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top Bottom