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Retro Consoles and HDTV's

  • 29-02-2012 08:47PM
    #1
    Full_TiltKeith
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 165 ✭✭


    Ok, so I decided to go back to my youth, sell the Xbox 360 and play nothing younger than a PS2.

    I fear I may have lept before I looked :(

    How the hell can I get my newly acquired:

    SNES
    Megadrive
    Dreamcast

    to work on my HDTV???

    The RF cables are not working :( just a really bad picture and no sound??

    Thanks guys :)

    *Edit I think this should maybe moved to the retro forum, if you can be so kind mods :) Thanks


«1

Comments

  • #2
    scottp68877
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 214 ✭✭scottp68877


    I don't know much about retro consoles but here is a what Enter posted and it looks like it can help you

    http://touch.boards.ie/thread/2056561579?page=1#post_77318237


  • #3
    Myrddin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    Simply put...don't even try. Retro consoles will look like crap on a HDTV panel. They really look bad. If your lucky enough to have the space, pick up a cheap old style crt tv. No more than €30/40, & purchase RGB scart cables for all your consoles, I got most of mine from http://www.consolegoods.co.uk/

    Your PS2 will work nicely on the HDTV, as a lot of games are designed for 16:9. as with Dreamcast/Gamecube etc. But anything older than that will definitely be more enjoyable on a crt. 28" would be ideal, but given my space, I have to make do with a 21".

    34qteko.jpg

    Moved to Arcade & Retro


  • #4
    Jack burton
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,798 ✭✭✭Jack burton


    Yeah what he said.

    I have a SNES playing on my 32" HDTV and with the rgb cable it looks really nice


  • #5
    Full_TiltKeith
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 165 ✭✭Full_TiltKeith


    Jack burton wrote: »
    Yeah what he said.

    I have a SNES playing on my 32" HDTV and with the rgb cable it looks really nice

    Ok,

    So what I need is a replacement cable for the RF cables?
    @Enter, thanks but I wouldn't have the room for a CRT :(


  • #6
    Myrddin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    Full_TiltKeith wrote: »
    Ok,

    So what I need is a replacement cable for the RF cables?
    @Enter, thanks but I wouldn't have the room for a CRT :(

    Well you don't really, the rf cables should work. It's just the difference in quality between rf & rgb scart is massive. No sound on your rf channels could be a tuning issue, or dodgey rf cables.

    Best advice is that if you can't get a crt, at the very least replace your rf cables with rgb scart


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  • #7
    lasersquad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭lasersquad


    Hey Keith, we can discuss the topic when we swapping goods tonight - its kh10304 here ;)

    This subject been bothering me for years though - I have an OCD when it comes to graphics and I was in for a bad shock when first connected my PS2 to an HD LCD. Some folks are ok with it but I can`t live without that peculiar SD glow :)

    If you REALLY don`t have space for an old 21 incher then yeah, as said above invest in proper cables. With Dreamcast you`re in luck thanks to the wonder of VGABox - look it up (well as long as your HD set has VGA input, if not you can hook it up to PC monitor). I think there`s one for sale on Adverts at the moment actually.

    Here`s what I use for reference on the topic: mega post from Racketboy:
    http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=18367

    See ya later on ;)


  • #8
    Full_TiltKeith
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 165 ✭✭Full_TiltKeith


    lasersquad wrote: »
    Hey Keith, we can discuss the topic when we swapping goods tonight - its kh10304 here ;)

    This subject been bothering me for years though - I have an OCD when it comes to graphics and I was in for a bad shock when first connected my PS2 to an HD LCD. Some folks are ok with it but I can`t live without that peculiar SD glow :)

    If you REALLY don`t have space for an old 21 incher then yeah, as said above invest in proper cables. With Dreamcast you`re in luck thanks to the wonder of VGABox - look it up (well as long as your HD set has VGA input, if not you can hook it up to PC monitor). I think there`s one for sale on Adverts at the moment actually.

    Here`s what I use for reference on the topic: mega post from Racketboy:
    http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=52&t=18367

    See ya later on ;)

    Good stuff man! thanks


  • #9
    Full_TiltKeith
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 165 ✭✭Full_TiltKeith


    EnterNow wrote: »
    Well you don't really, the rf cables should work. It's just the difference in quality between rf & rgb scart is massive. No sound on your rf channels could be a tuning issue, or dodgey rf cables.

    Best advice is that if you can't get a crt, at the very least replace your rf cables with rgb scart


    Can RGB scart be bought in Maplins?


  • #10
    Myrddin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    Full_TiltKeith wrote: »
    Can RGB scart be bought in Maplins?

    For retro consoles? Unlikely, be prepared to PAY if they do. Consolegoods are your best bet, I think he sells on ebay too.


  • #11
    Retr0gamer
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 53,290 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    RF cables are an absolute disgrace. Thorw them away and go full RGB scart. even on a HD screen RGB scart looks good although on a proper CRT it looks phenomenal.


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  • #12
    Steve X2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,912 ✭✭✭Steve X2


    Retr0gamer wrote: »
    RF cables are an absolute disgrace. Thorw them away and go full RGB scart. even on a HD screen RGB scart looks good although on a proper CRT it looks phenomenal.

    You know RF is the superior choice retr0.
    Sure ya cant tell the difference between RF and RGB really anyway :p:D

    *troll mode engaged

    .


  • #13
    Full_TiltKeith
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 165 ✭✭Full_TiltKeith


    Steve SI wrote: »
    You know RF is the superior choice retr0.
    Sure ya cant tell the difference between RF and RGB really anyway :p:D

    *troll mode engaged

    .

    i have tried to fine tune on the HD TV and I cannot for the life of me get the megadrive to work.

    I know the cable is good because I can get it working on the CRT TV downstairs, is there an RGB cable available for the megadrive?


  • #14
    lasersquad
    Closed Accounts Posts: 58 ✭✭lasersquad


    I nearly bought Dreamcast SCART off ELG on Adverts few days ago, I think it`s still on for 12 E. But would invest in VGA Box really if I was you.


  • #15
    Retr0gamer
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 53,290 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    Full_TiltKeith wrote: »
    i have tried to fine tune on the HD TV and I cannot for the life of me get the megadrive to work.

    I know the cable is good because I can get it working on the CRT TV downstairs, is there an RGB cable available for the megadrive?

    Seriously, don't even bother with RF. You'll get a megadrive RGB scart cable from ebay or consolegoods.co.uk


  • #16
    Retr0gamer
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 53,290 CMod ✭✭✭✭Retr0gamer


    lasersquad wrote: »
    I nearly bought Dreamcast SCART off ELG on Adverts few days ago, I think it`s still on for 12 E. But would invest in VGA Box really if I was you.

    Only if setting up a dreamcast so the sound can go to a ound system is feasible. You can't get sound from VGA with out another audio output device.


  • #17
    Andrew76
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 10,943 Mod ✭✭✭✭Andrew76


    Full_TiltKeith wrote: »
    i have tried to fine tune on the HD TV and I cannot for the life of me get the megadrive to work.

    I know the cable is good because I can get it working on the CRT TV downstairs, is there an RGB cable available for the megadrive?

    Just make sure you get the correct RGB SCART cable for the Megadrive model you have. Model 1 and 2 have a slightly different connection at the back.


  • #18
    Myrddin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    Also if it's an MD1, consolegoods does a stereo sound cable, where the audio is fed from the headphone port of the megadrive, & routed into the scart. Otherwise, its just mono. If its an MD2, stereo is native in the din port so you only need the standard MD2 RGB scart.

    244415558_o.jpg


  • #19
    Andrew76
    Moderators, Computer Games Moderators Posts: 10,943 Mod ✭✭✭✭Andrew76


    Aye, pretty sure I got mine from this seller but not sure if there's cheaper/faster options out there like consolegoods as you mention.


  • #20
    80s Synth Pop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 772 ✭✭✭80s Synth Pop


    You need to get RGB cables and then pick up a few items from Arcade Forge - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=74134735
    That is the best you are going to get on a 50" HD screen


  • #21
    Doge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,395 ✭✭✭Doge


    I picked up the same RGB Scart + Stereo Jack cable recently from Retro Computer Shack...

    http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Sega-Megadrive-1-High-Quality-RGB-Gold-Scart-Lead-TV-AV-Cable-Stereo-NEW-/260926939448?pt=UK_Video_Games_Cables_and_Adaptors&hash=item3cc0752138#ht_2786wt_1396


    SegaMegadrive1eBayPicture_428026343_thumb.jpg


    Must actually do the 60hz mod and feckin test the cable out tomorrow. Been leaving it off too long.


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  • #22
    giggsy07
    Closed Accounts Posts: 262 ✭✭giggsy07


    EnterNow wrote: »
    Simply put...don't even try. Retro consoles will look like crap on a HDTV panel. They really look bad. If your lucky enough to have the space, pick up a cheap old style crt tv. No more than €30/40, & purchase RGB scart cables for all your consoles, I got most of mine from http://www.consolegoods.co.uk/

    Your PS2 will work nicely on the HDTV, as a lot of games are designed for 16:9. as with Dreamcast/Gamecube etc. But anything older than that will definitely be more enjoyable on a crt. 28" would be ideal, but given my space, I have to make do with a 21".

    34qteko.jpg

    Moved to Arcade & Retro
    Holy Sh1t thats some collection.Is that an SNK on the N64??Were not worthy!!!:)


  • #23
    Myrddin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    giggsy07 wrote: »
    Holy Sh1t thats some collection.Is that an SNK on the N64??Were not worthy!!!:)

    Cheers dude

    Nah no SNK, it's either the 3DO under the NTSC N64, or the Mastersystem 2 on top of the PAL N64 :o


  • #24
    Full_TiltKeith
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 165 ✭✭Full_TiltKeith


    waveform wrote: »
    I picked up the same RGB Scart + Stereo Jack cable recently from Retro Computer Shack...

    http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Sega-Megadrive-1-High-Quality-RGB-Gold-Scart-Lead-TV-AV-Cable-Stereo-NEW-/260926939448?pt=UK_Video_Games_Cables_and_Adaptors&hash=item3cc0752138#ht_2786wt_1396


    SegaMegadrive1eBayPicture_428026343_thumb.jpg


    Must actually do the 60hz mod and feckin test the cable out tomorrow. Been leaving it off too long.

    Let me know how you get on :)


  • #25
    Doge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,395 ✭✭✭Doge


    Steve SI wrote: »
    You know RF is the superior choice retr0.
    Sure ya cant tell the difference between RF and RGB really anyway :p:D

    *troll mode engaged

    .

    You might think this is funny, but for audio I'm choosing the RF cable over the RCA cable (into a scart adapter) for the c64 at the moment.

    I'm not sure yet if it's the portable TV i'm using is doing this,
    but the SID's audio through RCA sounds like it's being passed through a High Pass Filter!

    Better definition in the high range but **** all bass.

    The RF signal is much bassier and the mid range sounds a bit too boosted.

    Its like the bassy early Mega Drive I boards VS the thiny sound of the later boards in the Mega Drive II!

    I'll have to hook it up to my audio interface later to see if its the same.


  • #26
    CiDeRmAn
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 34,753 CMod ✭✭✭✭CiDeRmAn


    Gamesrooms are great, I just wish I could use mine more often!


  • #27
    Myrddin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    CiDeRmAn wrote: »
    Gamesrooms are great, I just wish I could use mine more often!

    Pics or GTFO


  • #28
    CiDeRmAn
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Computer Games Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 34,753 CMod ✭✭✭✭CiDeRmAn


    Seriously?
    Haven't you been in it???
    It's a room, filled with, well, games, hence the name!


  • #29
    Myrddin
    Closed Accounts Posts: 33,733 ✭✭✭✭Myrddin


    CiDeRmAn wrote: »
    Seriously?
    Haven't you been in it???
    It's a room, filled with, well, games, hence the name!

    Yeah I've been in it, but many millions havn't. Show the damn thing off man, it's a gaming mecca.


    Edit - Ooh nice sig. But it was o1s1n who was saved, I simply came along with corporate slang at the right time lol


  • #30
    Doge
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,395 ✭✭✭Doge


    EnterNow wrote: »
    Yeah I've been in it, but many millions havn't. Show the damn thing off man, it's a gaming mecca.

    I know yeah!

    Sure he even had the cheek to ask me if I saw it,
    and then never bothered when I told him no ffs!

    Pics or GTFO x10! :pac:


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  • #31
    Steve X2
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,912 ✭✭✭Steve X2


    waveform wrote: »
    I know yeah!

    Sure he even had the cheek to ask me if I saw it,
    and then never bothered when I told him no ffs!

    Pics or GTFO x10! :pac:

    I also demand to see the Cider Mecca :D

    I'd show mine off but its in the middle of a redesign at the moment.

    .


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