Sega MD Issue with LCD TV

Saipanne · 23-12-2015 10:24am #1

So, I got a lovely Model 1 MD from my girlfriend for Xmas, and I hooked it up to my Samsung LCD using the composite video cable provided.

Unfortunately there is a lot of flicker in the video signal. I messed around with every option on the TV and I tried hooking the cables through a scart adapter, but nothing worked. I tried the old CRT in the communal living room, and it worked fine, so the console is good.

My LCD has an RF input, is that worth a shot? I'd rather save the "buy a crt for my room" option until last, as I just don't have the room.

What are my options?

Thanks

23-12-2015 11:23am

ohhhhh interesting. I just took my MD gen 1 from the attic and was going to do the same. Will be a timely thread

Retr0gamer · 23-12-2015 11:41am

Don't bother with a RF lead. Your first mistake is using composite. It's a step above RF in quality but it still gives a disgracefully bad picture. You should be using a proper RGB cable. Get a real RGB scart cable from ebay and try that, don't cheap out, get one from someone like consolegoodsuk. It still shouldn't cost more than 15 euro and you'll get vastly better image quality.

I'd say your TV might just be a heap of junk. Most manufacturers don't really test SD connections in new TVs.

Saipanne · 23-12-2015 11:49am

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Don't bother with a RF lead. Your first mistake is using composite. It's a step above RF in quality but it still gives a disgracefully bad picture. You should be using a proper RGB cable. Get a real RGB scart cable from ebay and try that, don't cheap out, get one from someone like consolegoodsuk. It still shouldn't cost more than 15 euro and you'll get vastly better image quality.

I'd say your TV might just be a heap of junk. Most manufacturers don't really test SD connections in new TVs.

Mistake? That's the cable it came with. I'll give the RGB option a go.

23-12-2015 12:02pm

Saipanne wrote: »

Mistake? That's the cable it came with. I'll give the RGB option a go.

Mistake as in there are far better options as against the stock cables

Saipanne · 23-12-2015 12:05pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Mistake as in there are far better options as against the stock cables

Right, but it was hardly my decision. I just took it out of the box and hooked it up.

I think I'll still pick up an rf cable tonight, they're only a few quid. I'll be waiting weeks for the other option.

Another thing to try is to hook the MD through a vcr and into the TV.

23-12-2015 12:14pm

Saipanne wrote: »

Right, but it was hardly my decision. I just took it out of the box and hooked it up.

I think I'll still pick up an rf cable tonight, they're only a few quid. I'll be waiting weeks for the other option.

Another thing to try is to hook the MD through a vcr and into the TV.

he's not calling you out on it.
Replace "mistake" for "issue"

Saipanne · 23-12-2015 12:15pm

[Deleted User] wrote: »

he's not calling you out on it.
Replace "mistake" for "issue"

I just thought it was odd. I'm not offended or anything.

Anyway, the options appear to be laid out on the table. Let's see how we get on. I'll report back.

Retr0gamer · 23-12-2015 1:01pm

Saipanne wrote: »

I think I'll still pick up an rf cable tonight, they're only a few quid. I'll be waiting weeks for the other option.

Christ don't get a RF cable. You'll get a scart cable for about the same money, it's a total waste, image quality is absolute pants! I also wasn't being rude, RBG scart cable is the best advice you'll get for old consoles, trust someone that has too many of them

Saipanne · 23-12-2015 1:24pm

Retr0gamer wrote: »

Christ don't get a RF cable. You'll get a scart cable for about the same money, it's a total waste, image quality is absolute pants! I also wasn't being rude, RBG scart cable is the best advice you'll get for old consoles, trust someone that has too many of them

I hear ya, I'm just going to pick up one as they're only like three quid in town, and I just want the shaky picture to stop so I can play it, I could handle a poor quality image until I get an RGB.

I don't want to wait a few weeks before I get to play Sonic!

smurf492 · 24-12-2015 2:11am

You ask for advice on this forum and then don't take the advice that a long term and knowledgeable member gives you. A bit of a d#ck move. This forum is a fountain of knowledge if your wiling to respect the people on it...

Star Lord · 24-12-2015 6:25am

You obviously missed the "until I get an rgb" bit...?

Saipanne · 24-12-2015 8:58am

Star Lord wrote: »

You obviously missed the "until I get an rgb" bit...?

He did. But note the time of their post.

Merry Xmas everyone.

Saipanne · 24-12-2015 9:32am

smurf492 wrote: »

You ask for advice on this forum and then don't take the advice that a long term and knowledgeable member gives you. A bit of a d#ck move. This forum is a fountain of knowledge if your wiling to respect the people on it...

I thought I'd reply directly, as I don't want the thread to take a sour tone.

Simply put, the console was a gift from my girlfriend, I hooked it up in front of her and when it didn't work she was really disappointed (as would anyone). So although I have no doubt that Retro gamer is spot on with his advice, I wanted a quick fix just to show my girlfriend me happily playing the MD. That's why I wanted the RF approach, as it seemed the most straightforward.

As it turns out, you can't get those specific cables in shops. Online only. So it looks like I'm waiting either way, so I'll get the RGB.

smurf492 · 24-12-2015 10:28am

Saipanne wrote:

Simply put, the console was a gift from my girlfriend, I hooked it up in front of her and when it didn't work she was really disappointed (as would anyone). So although I have no doubt that Retro gamer is spot on with his advice, I wanted a quick fix just to show my girlfriend me happily playing the MD. That's why I wanted the RF approach, as it seemed the most straightforward.

I understand as i too have been in the position you are in. Apologies if i came across a bit abrupt. Get the rgb cable as soon as you can and enjoy a Christmas where you are whirlwinded back to better days :-D take care and happy xmas yo you and your retro loving girlfriend( she's a keeper ;-))

smurf492 · 24-12-2015 10:33am

Star Lord wrote:

You obviously missed the "until I get an rgb" bit...?

No i did not. I saw the the post where OP clearly said after looking for advice that he would do his own thing which makes the post redundant. people give advice on here which should be appreciated.. Christmas or not

smurf492 · 24-12-2015 10:38am

Plus i appreciate i am thw new kid on the block around here. Apologies if my posts come across shi##y. Apologies star lord.hope ye all have a great Christmas

Tomo.Murphy · 24-12-2015 2:19pm

The RF cable may not work. I was given a Dreamcast with an RF cable, and tried to set it up to make sure it was working. It tuned in fine on the only CRT in the house, but none of the newer TVs had a compatible connection (even the cheaper ones). Sure the Smart TV had a male RF connection (the screw-on one).

You shouldn't be long waiting for a delivery from Consolegoods. I ordered a Dreamcast VGA box and had it in a few days.

Enjoy your Mega Drive!

Retr0gamer · 24-12-2015 2:41pm

Also look into getting it modded Asap. You don't want to be playing your games in slow motion, crappy music and laggy controls:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnvhjlR9kwg

Saipanne · 24-12-2015 3:22pm

Hmm, this is getting rather complicated. I'd nearly be better off just buying an old TV to play it on, no?

Myrddin · 24-12-2015 3:26pm

Saipanne wrote: »

Hmm, this is getting rather complicated. I'd nearly be better off just buying an old TV to play it on, no?

If you had the room, that'd be ideal. The ultimate set up would be:

1) Old style CRT tv (non widescreen)
2) RGB Scart cable (making sure tv accepts RGB)
3) Console modded for 50/60Hz (because once you go 60Hz, you can't go back!)

All that in place is the ideal, and best way to experience these old consoles.

CiDeRmAn · 25-12-2015 2:02am

Things seem to have gotten a little heated at times in this thread, so I would ask folk to be polite at all times, not to be too defensive when responding to posts and for others to be aware that Retro consoles are not always as "plug and play" as their more modern equivalents, particularly when connecting then to current displays.
Advice here is freely given and, typically, worth heeding. But it's your decision as always.
Oh, and to the new posters amongst us, welcome to the A&R forum!

And happy Christmas too

Saipanne · 30-12-2015 5:10pm

Ok, got it working through a vcr. I'll work towards a decent crt and rgb later.

I'd like to mod my MD up to 60hz though. Is there a place in Dublin that does it?

CiDeRmAn · 30-12-2015 5:21pm

Saipanne wrote: »

Ok, got it working through a vcr. I'll work towards a decent crt and rgb later.

I'd like to mod my MD up to 60hz though. Is there a place in Dublin that does it?

There is a console modding thread around these parts but the mod is one of the easier ones.
If you are going to do it yourself a physical switch one isn't too hard.
If you are getting someone else to do it go for a switch less mod that will do both region and frequency duties.
My Nomad and MD are both modded that way, via a long press on the reset button and it's brilliant getting you the most from that RGB cable.

Sega MD Issue with LCD TV

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