Gamerade - Best Video Quality With Old Game Consoles - SCART to HDMI - Adam Koralik
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- 2019 Update: I do not use this device any more, I haven't since 2014. I do not recommend this any longer with current options. This was the best entry level option in 2013, times have changed.
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In this video I will show you a well kept secret about how to get a lot of older game consoles to have the best picture quality. It's the miracle that is SCART and its full RGB signal, and how you can convert it to HDMI in an upscaled 720p or even full 1080p image and make it look astonishingly beautiful. Seriously, it blows my mind how good this looks.
As an added bonus feature, it allows you to convert a PAL video signal to an NTSC one or vice versa.
If you use a device like the Hauppauge HD PVR 2, it will also allow you to easily capture game footage with crystal clear quality.
There are three scart types that should be addressed in the description so that some players aren't disappointed.
1. A scart adaptor - this is not scart - It is simply AV cables in an RCA to scart connection adaptor.
2. A regular scart lead. This is the same as above but with an actual (7 pin) scart connection. Quality wise, it's still just an AV cable.
3. RGB Scart - this is the true high quality scart. Usually 21 pin.
This will work best with the following consoles:
Atari Jaguar
Atari Jaguar CD
Nintendo Super Nintendo (Super Famicom) [original model only]
Sega Master System
Sega Genesis (Mega Drive)
Sega CD (Mega CD)
Sega 32X
Sega Saturn
Sony Playstation (1)
SNK Neo Geo AES
SNK Neo Geo CD
This will not work with anything older such as the Atari 2600, Atari 5200, Atari 7800, Nintendo Entertainment System, Colecovision, Famicom etcetera.
Some notable exceptions that do not work because of the limits of the console itself:
Nintendo 64
Super Nintendo Jr
3DO (any model, Panasonic, Goldstar etcetera)
NEC Turbografx 16
PC Engine
Sega Pico
This method is also not worth applying to consoles from the Dreamcast onward as they have more advanced methods of video display. Using this on these consoles will result in a loss of image quality. These consoles include:
Sega Dreamcast
Nintendo GameCube
Nintendo Wii (not including the Wii Mini)
Nintendo Wii U
Microsoft XBox
Microsoft XBox 360
Microsoft XBox One
Sony Playstation 2
Sony Playstation 3
Sony Playstation 4
I followed your advice and got a RGB SCART cable for my PS1 and the same HDMI converter you have in the video. What a difference! I could not believe the difference between it and standard composite. SCART is even a significant step-up over S-video. Once I saw how good a single game (Road Rash) looked, I got excited to start playing all my PS1 classics again.
Thanks for the video man. I never thought I would enjoy my PS1 again. I feel like my comment is a customer success story. lol
@Fifo No. It quit working after a few weeks. I went ahead and upgraded to a Framemeister and never looked back. Although now, I'm probably going to sell that. I don't play my games very much anymore, unfortunately.
I think you should recognize that totally writing off old CRT screens as "crap" and saying that this will look amazing on an HDTV with these converters is a highly subjective statement. I understand that anything less than component is crap and I would never use anything less, but I actually prefer to view lower resolution content on older CRT televisions. CRT screens just do an amazing job at smoothing out the image because the low resolution of the screen more closely matches the resolution of the input.
@ludomir1000 fhgygh hhggj lplop jk jjbbhhvh vggyfdf G#^7h
@@xninja83x67 XD
Hell I play retro consoles on a CRT with s-video and they look terrific
Adam, your CRTs may be out of tune if you think the games look bad on them. Unfortunately, not many people have the specialty tools for working on them anymore. A tuned CRT with a good quality s-video or even just composite cable looks great.
It still works, I still use it regularly, and I love it.
*To those who've upgraded to an OSSC 1.6, this scaler might still be of use to you.* In my setup I found the best way to use the OSSC was to plug it into the HDMI input on the SCART to HDMI. My Sony Bravia 32inch HDTV worked with every console I threw at the OSSC, except the PS1. And of the ones that did work, the TV wouldn't accept anything but the linedoubled 480p or 576p modes. Plugging it into the SCART to HDMI input, I was able to get everything but the 5x mode working. And I found that by setting the OSSC's output to 3x mode, the image is scaled at 4:3 aspect ratio.
Don't buy cheap converters people! You get what you pay for.
I bought a VCR DVD combo unit with s-video,y-pb-br component video output and a progressive scan feature for 1dollar and 50 cents.
@@Ballowax LUCKY BASTARD!
@@Ballowax I used used something very similar originally though I think mine was DVD only. Worked fine for a while but I eventually upgraded to some better albeit more expensive options.
WARNING!!!!!!!! this device has lag! Depending on your sensitivity, this may be an issue!
Also "Best Quality" would probable be an XRG mini
+zackery chapman Big surprise, it's why I don't bother with convertors in the first place lolI'm incredibly sensitive to it. Best way to play retro consoles? On a CRT plain and simple, fantastic PQ, heavy does of nostalgia and ZERO lag.I tossed my 27" Sony Trinitron(2004 model) which actually had S-Video and component, perfect for the Wii, Gamecube(ect) but I picked up a 1987 Panasonic vintage tube TV because aesthetically speaking it's an awesome fit for the NES and SNES & Genesis, but it's terrible for anything beyond that. which is why I was looking into getting a convertor for my other consoles, but if I have to deal with additional lag, depending on how much there is than forget it. I hear nothing but complaints in regards to delay for all of these convertors.
***** I guess they are ugly... I think they are cool looking. Either way though no lag for old games is a nice feature as well as the games look really good on them. Idk if you have ever seen a retro game on a nice CRT or PVM monitor using something like S-video or RGB Scart cables as posed to component? However it gives a Picture that you can't get on LCD TVs. Obviously you can't really show what a CRT tv looks like on lcd monitors. so it's hard to see the benefits on RUclips.
DOUBLE WARNING!!!!! These things pump out a composite-video quality output when you're scrolling through your games, only static images look okay with one of those "HD video converter".
Edit: Game-TechUS couldn't get one of these to work with c-sync. Sync on composite only gave him a video output. He, and many others, are certain this ONLY takes a CVBS (composite) video signal, and does absolutely nothing with the RGB inputs, which explains why the video quality is atrocious when moving.
to lower the lag it is recomended to hook it to a pc monitor.
Hey Adam. Since this video is 3 years old. Is your scart to HDMI box still working today?
Ojn in mkkklk km okjn l hi jlkn a
My pleasure man, thanks for watching.
The number one reason I love SCART for all the pre-HDMI consoles, is that SCART is much the same as a "Multi out" connector on your beloved consoles. Buy yourself a SCART enabled TV, or something like the above adapter, and a multi-way SCART switch. You can use an RGB signal if possible, or you can load the switch up with adapters like Component video, S-video, and Composite video and cater for the odd ones out. SCART cables are not overly expensive. It's a clean tidy way to have all of your consoles running via a single channel on your TV, in my case, the only SCART input.
Although your method is a good cost effective way of upscaling your retro game systems to HD. It has some technical faults. As the Upscaler you have takes the RGB image from the system as an interpolated 480i image, instead of the standard 240p that most Sega Game systems use (dreamcast uses 480p). This will cause items that are supposed to use paralaxing. Like strobing items, or clouds and stuff, to look funny.
The upscaler that takes 240p natively and transforms it flawlessly to 720p or 1080p, and is especially good for gaming is the "Xrgb-Mini Framemeister" by Miconsoft. Although you'll have to use JP-21 RGB cables (Japanese cables that look like scart, but are not scart), in order to make it work, or buy an RGB scart adapter for it.
It is upwards of $300us but if you want perfection, that is as good as it gets.
Adam, thank you for the video!
About Input Lag:
I've read a lot of comments on this video about input lag and the most important thing with a SCART->HDMI-converter is low input lag (yes definitely more important than the picture quality).
I've measured a couple of converters and this one gives not only noticable input lag, but almost unplayable input lag. Well infact it depends on which signal you feed it with.
The NES and SNES was almost unplayable, while the Mega Drive actually works a bit better. I think it has something to do with how the converter scale the signal.
Anyway, i have made some measurements on the NES and i've looked into the total chain. Without going that deep into things, i can stand up to 100ms of total input lag, but i prefer to land not higher than 70ms. With this converter i got a total input lag of 157ms.
The difference between 70ms and 157ms is astronomical. Say that you perceive 70ms as "zero input lag" (for your brain), then you add 87ms. Yeah, do the math.
Obviously i can't say how other feels about input lag, but the one who believes that this converter has no input lag, is not interested in playing retro games.
Framemeister has very minimal input lag.
Did you make sure your TV is in game mode?
Well i have spent 50+ hours with tests on two TV's and three computer-monitors and several consoles/computer/adapters/converters etc.... so yeah......the settings has been as opimal as possible, including game mode or similar.
Tommy Owenius Did you check the response times of the monitor?
Displays:
Monitor Samsung LS29E790CNS
Monitor LG 24" unknown model
TV Sony Bravia KDL-46EX700
All displays was set to "Game-mode".
Sources:
Wii - HDMI-adapter
WiiU - HDMI-cable
HTPC - HDMI-cable
NES - Composite through HDMI-adapter
Then i had a couple of other sources and devices, ended up in a total of 31 tests.
Here is a couple of them:
Wii - Wii-game and WiiMote:
Samsung 103ms
LG 78ms
Wii - Fceux and WiiMote:
LG 135ms
Sony 140ms
HTPC - Nestopia and NES30:
Samsung 71ms
Sony 121ms
One thing worth noting is that any kind of connection between the source and controller have very small impact of lag.
I have tried WiiMote (BT), NES30 (BT & USB), Logitech Rumblepad 2 (RF), Razor Imperator (USB-mouse) and it's no more than 10ms lag that separates them.
I have also tried a couple of HDMI-switches, even stacked 3 pairs and i could not notice any added lag at all, maybe 1-2ms.
The absolute best result i got (besides Razor mouse on HTPC) was a WiiU on the LG-monitor playing NSMB-U, that ended in a input-lag of 58ms. That was a dream to play with very distinct and instant control :)
IMO the FrameMeister is way to expensive and i hope that some producer will develope a more priceworthy device soon.
I have a LG 4K TV and no matter what I did I could not get this thing to work, but it did work on my Samsung. Just be cautious depending on the TV you plan on using.
Anthony Iacone 4K TVs seem to have issues with the box.
No worries. Dreamcast VGA cables will work on a PAL or NTSC unit. No worries there. I did videos on the VGA adapter and also using a VGA to HDMI adapter. Check those out for more information.
Thanks for the shout out! Joking I'm not that Raymond but you never hear another dude called Raymond
9:03 in a way they're not wrong since developers started taking color bleeding into account using dithering
@ot4net VGA on the Dreamcast is the only way to go.
RGB SCART is a good choice only for the games that don't support VGA.
***** Would be rather pointless to do that.
***** SCART to VGA is pointless because VGA is already less common. Might as well upscale to HDMI for the same reason you'd upscale from VGA to HDMI.
*****
Personally, I prefer the HDMI adapter.
***** SCART to HDMI should be the better match as Component has color compression while SCART(RGB) doesn't.
Rickard Jonsson
Component analog, yes. Component digital, no.
Direct-to-TV SCART hookup wouldn't look as good as this?
Indeed, it would look like way better.
As we don't have SCART in North America, I have no choice.
+AdamKoralik 15:22
+technology4617 I think my logic at the time was that this box is designed to convert an analog signal to a digital one. HDTVs do this, but as a bonus feature, because other wise it wouldn't display anything. Boxes tend to do this better, as it's their intended purpose.
That's why when you try that with composite, the boxes tend to do it better.
My assumption was SCART did the same, I still assume that. But in hindsight, without being able to test this, I shouldn't have been as confident in that position. Hope that clears it up.
Awesome videos! I'm definitely going with the SCART to HDMI. Glad I caught this video of yours. Looks great! Again, your videos are great to watch. Keep them up. I love how youtube is full of guys like us educating and sharing the love of classic games. They REALLY do not make them how they used to lol.
Thanks for watching dude.
For those who aren't aware, the XRGB Framemeister is the mother if video upscalers. I personally rank this box about 4th best.
DJ_Bullets What are the 2nd and 3rd then?
How come there aren't any reproduction GC Component Cables, would it be hard for someone to produce it.
Nintendo apparently used some special chip in them so no one could make them other than Nintendo.
AdamKoralik That is the case. Strangely some people mod them to output RGB as opposed to Component.
I've wondered this myself, seeing that China will knockoff anything they can reproduce.
raregamecollector The reason there are not reproductions of this cable is due to the way it was designed. The port on the gamecube actually outputs a digital signal that the cable converts to analog. Manufacturing this cable would be expensive. It should theoretically be possible to get some other type of digital signal from that port.
I've heard that places was a little shady. They have a 3DO RGB kit and I cant find anything online about it.
Just an FYI about the lag issue with this cheap converter. It works best in 720p mode with TVs that can handle 720p natively. 720p is 3x 240p so there's very little processing that has to be done. 1080p is 4.5x the 240p resolution so it gets processed to hell and back.
JohnnyNismo thanks. Long as it doesn't lag in 720 I'm good
What he fails to mention is that there is input lag in the conversation from analog to digital.. You need to pony up 300 bux for a framemeister to minimize the input lag
I have the same scaler and once I put my TV into game mode there was no lag. Some TVs are better than others in this regard though.
Highly doubtful there is no lag
Nothing noticeable. I tested it with 240p Test Suit on a Sega CD and the lag was within 1 to 3 frames at the most. I've heard Samsung TVs have the least amount of input lag.
On a standard SCART cable yes, but that's why you get specific ones for each console you intend to use it with.
Wow! Need to get myself one of these. Playing the likes of a Mega Drive/Genesis through a modern HD TV with SCART tends to look awful, while emulated games from my laptop connected to the TV via HDMI look great. Seems this will sort out such problems. Many thanks for the video. This looks essential for any retro enthusiast who doesn't have an old CRT TV handy.
My pleasure, thanks for watching.
Use the Xrgb Mini for a better quality product. See My Life in Gaming on youtube for more information :3
***** See My Life in Gaming anyways. I want to use the XRGB-Mini for my Dreamcast and Gamecube so I can adjust the aspect ratio to 720x480. I also want to get some PS1 RPGs in the future but in order for me to play them I need the XRGB-Mini :3
***** The Sixth Gen consoles don't output a 4:3 aspect ratio (640x480) they instead output 720x480 or also known as DVD resolution. The Framemeister can fix the screen size. And personally, I think scanlines look really ugly on anything.
That's for 240p
Ok :3 May Ulala be with you
No doubt the XRGB mini is amazing, just sadly not everyone can afford it.
Hey Adam, did you ever notice lag on that convertor? I have the same one, there is no lag but everyone says so.
EDIT: Can't believe I actually found my comment again but I just want to point out that I been using this on my Genesis for months now and yes there is a bit of motion blur but input lag not much. I have no issues playing anything from Sonic to Mortal Kombat to Streets of Rage on my HDTV. It really makes the games look awesome. Better than CRT with composite in my opinion.
AndehX If you meant consoles like PS1, N64, Saturn, etc., well I can't say anything since I don't own any of those consoles and the only console I used this convertor was on the Genesis on a 720p TV.
Those scart to hdmi converters are JUNK.
Wrong. Used in 720p mode the scaler has very little processing to do. 720p is only 3x the resolution of 240p. 1080p is 4.5x the 240p resolution which causes it to be processed a ton. I happen to have a TV that handles 720p natively so there's almost no input lag. If you NEED to play in 1080p then you want the Framemeister which has the fast and powerful processor to get the job done. The XRGB-mini Framemeister is 10x the price though.
It's junk on an LCD, but on an old CRT it's GOLD. Get an HDMI2AV converter and hook it up to an old CRT. Jackpot!
EX Heihachi he hates this now
Messier 11 hdmi to av??? Sega have only av output, whu you said hdmi to av?
@JhonnyNismo, You're the one who is wrong. From 240p to 720p is not a x 3 increase in pixels. It's 12!
Not a lot of people know this, but there was a television made by sharp that had a built in NES, it didn't sell well in the us and was never released in Europe, in Japan they were used for hotel rooms, the cool thing about these televisions is the fact the NES portion was connected directly to the television via RGB, so if you manage to get your hands on one of these televisions, you can run NES games in RGB
Just used the box you suggested for the first time on my HDTV with my PS1. The image is a bit off-centre but none of it seems to be off-screen. The image is way better than it was when I was using composite. Thanks a lot for this suggestion! Now I'm trying to find a good switcher box to hook up a bunch of my consoles at the same time.
+Gauparte My image is off center too. It's pushed to the right a bit. Also if you have it in regular 720 it's stretched into a wide screen format, which distorts the image. There is another setting 1024-726 I believe that puts it back to 4:3 format, but there is some space at the top and bottom of the image. Oh well...
+Paul Gregorakos Then you desperately need glasses.
***** They're big, bulky, antiquated, and offer nothing but an inferior image. The one and only practical plus, as far as I'm concerned, is the ability to use light guns.
Voultar Glad I could amuse you sir.
AdamKoralik I'll prefer CRTs to death, but how does the upscaled content on non-CRT HDTVs look when using SCART, component or VGA cables?
AdamKoralik Hey dude I'm portuguese and, yes, I use SCART. But this comment is about the Wii. The Wii, at least the European 2nd version, comes with Composite and SCART. You connect the Composite cables onto a SCART adapter and then you plug onto your TV. I was playing Sonic Colors and noticed it looked kind of shitty in resolution and image clarity, but I'm using a 1080p TV. What do you think is causing the problem?
Nunoski Orange Yeah, you're doing it wrong. Think of video cables as a chain.
Imagine a strong chain made out of pure titanium, super strong right? But there's one link made out of a rusty thin paper clip.
That rusty paper clip would be composite cables. As they say, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
Point is, throw the composite cables in the trash and get proper cables. In the case of the Wii, get a set of component cables.
Framemeister.
+Jacobs Tech I Always keep annotations off.
Very expensive !
Best way is with vintage CRT tv.. no HDMI adapter bs
Spicy Kielbasa That's nostalgia talking right there.
unless it's a European CRT, with scart inputs and all.
CRTS are dying. That's the reason for the switch to flatscreens.
I have a CRT collection, including a 1959 Zenith. All working fine! And if I was going to go flatscreen, I'd want native HDMI. For instance, Hi-Def Nes. I have one of those too! Soon I will have a HDMI N64, too!
But honestly, I would resort to emulation in 1080p via a retropie, or even a PC before I'd run an upscaler. For me the upscalers are just adding too much to the signal.
The deinterlacing and upscaling would benefit everyone with an HDMI equipped display.
So many British people never had a clue about RGB SCART, and would just use RF aerial cables or Composite.
Been using RGB SCART since 1993. Finding a TV that supported RGB SCART would be difficult back then though, but SCART supports composite and S-Video as well.
Nice video.
In terms of designers forward thinking of supporting future retail consumer TVs--that probably wasn't their intention. Most game developers will run their console games simultaneously on two monitors--one being their computer screen and the other being a contemporary TV. They can then compare colors and layouts of their design.
Sega in the '80s and '90s probably ran RGB to their dev computer monitors and composite to a regular consumer-grade TV.
Euro-SCART isn't something consoles "support" because it's not any one kind of video signal. Rather it is the name for the convention of how all the different video signals are arranged on its pin configuration. In Japan, they use a similar looking cable, but the pins inside it are assigned different signals, so it gets called "JP-21". What consoles may or may not support is RGB. That's the super clean signal, and it's independent of whether or not you use a SCART cable to access it. For example, you could be using a BNC cable to access it.
I just wanna say that this video is what got me into subscribing to your channel. I went ahead and bought this box, and can't wait for it to arrive to test out these consoles. You made it real easy to understanding all this scart stuff.
Happy to help, thanks for watching.
Amazing video. Since watching this I've ordered the SCART 2 HDMI convertor and bought SCART cables for Sega Saturn/SNES/SEGA 32XCD(retro_console_accessories from ebay is your friend folks). Adam thank you very much as I was thinking "CRT is the best for these old consoles". Boy was I wrong!!! This rivals any emulator IQ out there! People come over and simply can't believe how good these old consoles look on a 60" HDTV in 1080p. Thanks Adam, you've brought new life in these old games and brought happiness to my friends and family.
My only recommendation is perhaps making a follow up to this video perhaps bringing up how much better the HDMI adapter is vs component adapter and maybe some more consoles displayed(not everyone reads comments sadly)
My pleasure Steven.
Problem with the component adapter is that it doesn't adjust resolution, so I can't capture footage from most of the consoles.
Dear Adam, I bought this piece thanks partly to your video. So far, I have been able to "test" most of my home systems and it goes from "it works ok" to "wow" (the colors on the Saturn...). I cant help noticing that your screen mentions 720p when you launch a title. We can push the button to go to 1080p and its slightly better. Thanks again for such interesting intel. Syl
I had it set to 720p since it's upscaling either way. I kind of figured pushing it more when the original resolution was only like 240p probably wasn't a great idea. But you think it looks better huh? Admittedly, I didn't really try.
True I have to make further tests! I'll give you a proper feedback I hope. Cheers. Syl
I just picked up a sega genesis...and I thought I'd never be able to play it on my HDMI projector in my basement. This is a great video!
+Jose Arcadio Morales Just made an entire video about that: ruclips.net/video/H0J3ERZ3nTk/видео.html
***** Two problems. One, until this comment, you had replies disabled. Hence the way I responded to you initially.
Second, RUclips flagged your second comment as spam, so I'm only seeing it now.
Third, I would see if your TV supports 480i through HDMI input. If it does, then I'd suggest the PS2 to HDMI. No matter what you do don't go with any "RCA to whatever" option. It'll take it from shitty to still shitty. RCA cables belong in one place, a trash can.
+AdamKoralik i have two question so im looking to by the sega 16bit mega drive two its modified with Audio video Rca outputs and led...
my first question...is if i purchase the "modified" sega do i still have to get the scratch converter box in order to get 720p 1080p?? with better definition ?? or do i still need the scart converter for full quality??
+AdamKoralik +AdamKoralik My Scart to HDMI converter (the exact one you unboxed in this video) just stopped working. The power indicator led is coming on but no signal. , and apparently Google+ has been broken by google, or it's being phased out. Who knows?
+AdamKoralik how do I get the converter to work again?
+AdamKoralik I'd like to see you make a video about the XRGB-mini Framemeister. I've heard it's the best thing since sliced bread but is it really that good?
It's worth noting a few of the following things in the description:
There are three scart types that should be addressed in the description so that some players aren't disappointed.
1. A scart adaptor - this is not scart - It is simply AV cables in an RCA to scart connection adaptor.
2. A regular scart lead. This is the same as above but with an actual (7 pin) scart connection. Quality wise, it's still just an AV cable.
3. RGB Scart - this is the true high quality scart. Usually 21 pin.
----
PAL Gamecube has the digital port but cannot do progressive 480P - Instead, we are given PAL60 on holding B. PAL cube does do Scart (while there's only 9 pins in the lead, it is full RGB.) however (in lieu of S-Video which the NA Cube does) and this is probably the best option for us as Scart is virtually equal to component at 480. The only difference is Scart wasn't moved beyond 480P - component was. As a result, there's no point in EU users getting the component cables as they are super expensive and offer no real benefit over Scart (on PAL consoles).
----
N64 does not do RGB Scart as you say (except early French and US models which can by modded to do so. The PAL console can't do S-Video properly either (goes mega bright and is unplayable) but there is a UK shop (Link below) that sells a specially modified cable. Outside of the RGB mod, this is the best option however, this is interesting and will apply to all N64's when/if made:
imgur.com/a/DdEuq
retroactive.be/tech_n64_hdmi.php
If he needs a kickstarter, I'll whore him out big time. :)
----
Scart cables are really inexpensive here in Europe. You can get them for about $10 per console and can also get the modified PAL N64 s-video cable here too:
www.robwebb1.plus.com/n64/n64.htm
Hope this all proves helpful
Thanks, updated.
@sandplasma
Thanks.
The resolution going in to the device is the same.
The difference is the HDMI one upscales it to a more modern resolution which helps with compatibility issues and capturing game footage.
The component box basically just...passes it through.
I think the problem with newer TV's is the introduction of input lag, something players of classic fighting games are VERY aware of. The holy grail (well, hooking it up to a new gaming monitor w/ low lag works now) is thus an old TV with 480i component.
Thanks AdamKoralik for this tip. I ended buying a scart cable for my Genesis model 1 and this converter box. Now my Genesis looks clear on an HDTV. People get this converter box and get yourself a scart cable.
One of my favorite RUclipsrs shouts out another one of my favorites. He said you are a retro gamer, which is partially true, but I wouldn't label you as such. Can't really complain though, a shout-out is a shout-out.
I agree sir.
Shenmue III on the Amiga 32 rofl...oh man, before E3 2015, I would have been right there with you, man! And thank you for this video...I have one of these boxes on the way, and it made me feel SO much better about the buy. Subscribed!
Correct, no modification required.
Picked up this scaler recently. Absolutely fantastic piece of equipment. My old scaler claimed to support RGB but it would always remain in composite. After some researching it seemed to just be plain false advertising. It was also more expensive than my new one!
That's why I was worried about picking this one up. I thought it might be the same case again. Thankfully it wasn't! The new scaler is brilliant and will output RGB and scale it to 1080p fantastically.
I've tested N64 (RGB modded), Sega Mega Drive and Gamecube with it at the moment and they all work brilliantly.
My Elgato Game Capture gets a little bit dark on the Gamecube and Game Boy Player for some reason but that's easily fixed with a change in Elgato settings.
All in all, I highly recommend it! You will NOT be disappointed folks. Listen to this man, he knows what he is talking about.
Thank you sir, and I'm glad you're enjoying it!
I got this same video converter, it works perfectly and now my older consoles look amazing! Thanks for showing that there is something better than crappy composite video!
Happy to.
Yes, that's how I was doing it. Though I don't recommend the component adapter over the HDMI adapter.
Cut composite out of the equation, it just down grades the image.
The N64 doesn't support RGB SCART naturally. It needs to be modded for that.
So, the best stock option is S-Video to HDMI or S-Video to Component.
I don't know why you don't like how it looks. It has a solid metal build and nice design.
I bought the Mcbazel HD Video SCART to HDMI converter, I'm very happy with it.
Having never used it I can't be totally sure, but I'm sure if it has native HDMI that's going to be far better than S-Video.
One thing worth noting for setups with multiple retro consoles is that you can also get SCART switches (that require no additional power supply btw), so you can hook up all those consoles through this converter to your HDTV at the same time with amazing image quality while only using one HDMI port. They are easily available here in Europe, I'm not to sure about North America, you may have to import them.
Hi Adam. Big fan of your channel. I am using a samsung 50" smart LED tv. After seeing this video and Review Tech USA's video. I decided to try this on my Genesis: Wow it was stunning. Now I have Scart cables for my Snes, N64 and Dreamcast. I wanna thank you for this vid. The colors don't run anymore, everything is vivid and clear as hell and display like a dream on my tv. Last step is to buy RGB modded Nes but damn they are pricey. Thanks again and keep giving us awesome informative videos!
GAMONSKI4EVER Just a heads up the N64 doesn't support RGB. So it's just passing through a composite or S-Video signal.
As for the Dreamcast, go with VGA. It's WAY better.
AdamKoralik Yeah I ordered a RGB modded N64 from ebay. It's pretty good. My TV doesn't have VGA support. I've got to research another avenue. Thanks for the reply
This video is really great man; thanks so much for covering this! I honestly hadn't known about RGB SCART at all till now.
Happy to help, thanks for watching!
I bought this adapter after I've seen your review and it works like a charm. Damn I love my old consoles even more now! :) Thank you so much for posting this. You should do a followup to this with more games
My pleasure!
A further update, this device also works with the RetroTINK 2X. Like the OSSC, the RetroTINK simply doubles the horizontal lines that make up the image. In my setup, as was the case with the OSSC, my HDTV did not like the linedoubled PS1 resolutions. Plugging it into the HDMI input on the SCART to HDMI Adam used solved this issue. So if you started with the cheap box and get an OSSC or RetroTINK, I guess you could think of it as restoring S-video, component and VGA support to your scaler with the added bonus that you can now scale 240p and 288p content correctly.
Just wanted to say, once again, thanks for all the help Adam. For those looking to purchase this, make sure you purchase the correct SCART cable because NTSC models often require a specific SCART cable, and not just any old generic PAL SCART cable or you will have all sorts of audio/visual issues with the converter. Best place I've found for cables is consolegoods dot co dot uk.
Hey Adam just wanted to say thanks for this video. I watched it a few months back and it was the start of my RGB Scart to HDMI journey. I finally got the cord and the same upscaler as you and I have to say, it really does look amazing. Im sure the XRGB mini looks slightly better but for 40 dollars the unit we have is worth every penny. Once again thanks, my Sega Genesis and Sega CD have gotten a second lease on life
Glad I could help!
Not if you want it to look good. Problem is you've told the console to degrade down to composite. The SCART cable isn't going to magically reverse that.
this is the best explanation yet to upgrade your video for old systems on a modern led tv thanks a million, please give another video for any updates.
Thanks for watching.
I'll be doing one about the N64 specifically very soon.
Something to note, SNES Minis can run RGB when modded properly and show to have a sharper image than all SNES models
+Lunatic89097 Yep, even did a video on it.
Thanks for watching. Maybe get a new cable?
Although component cables and HDMI cables both support high definition, there's actually a difference in terms of video signal. The component cables will support 720p and 1080i but only in an analog format; I would call it the "Analog High Definition." The HDMI cables do support 720p, 1080i, and 1080p but in digital format (you can only display 1080p through the use of HDMI cables since it's the only way to display Full HD); I would also call it the "Digital High Definition."
Hi Adam thanks for this! I just got this exact same setup for my model 1 sega genesis with stereo RGB Scart to HDMI using your suggested video converter.
It works very well!
I'm glad you like it.
Hey Adam, thanks for this vid and shopping link. I picked up the same SCART to HDMI converter along with a sweet multi-SCART adapter and the difference is very noticeable. Not Earth shattering on it's own but when I unplugged the HDMI and switched to composite, it was very noticeable. Colors are more vibrant on Zelda, text is clearer on NBA Jam and overall just better visuals. Waiting for my N64 to be modded for RGB and a Genesis SCART to come in and compare, can't wait!
A lot of the multi-switches degrade the image of the SNES. Just a heads up.
It's really interesting to find that you guys don't have scart!! I never knew that
Happy to help.
So strange, I came across your videos learning about the Wii U a couple of weeks ago (own one, love it, as do the kids in the house) and ended up watching a lot of your console generation recap videos. The Sega Saturn video awoke the boy in me, so I have bought one and am waiting for it to arrive, as well as some japanese games, action replay etc. The past couple of days I realised that the RGB cable that is coming with it won't work on any of the TVs in my house. So looking on the interwebs I read a lot of people banging on about how a CRT TV is the BEST way to watch. Today, I got to tracking down a big hulking TV, spoke to a dude in a computer shop (PC gamer, bashed the idea of retro consoles, consoles in general, good convo though), and just decided stuff it, I'll just get a composite cable for my LCD HDTV. I looked on eBay, and was linked up to a shop nearby (Melbourne, Aus) that deal in gaming needs. Half an hour later I';m at the store, and the good man there offered me two options, composite (with SVideo) or THIS CONVERTER you are talking about here. Without even that much enthusiasm he said the latter is better. So I got it. Now here I am watching this video, after the fact, just stoked on my decision. Weird circle of events. Can't wait for my console to arrive. I have wanted a Saturn since it came out, but I have never even seen one in Aus, let alone played one, very scarce here. Love your videos :)
You don't need the HDMI adapter. As I said, for the amount it would cost you to get this adapter, you could get the VGA adapter. Which is vastly superior.
Finally!!!
Someone who knows what the fuck they're talking about. I was hunting for component cables for my Gamecube, learned how expensive they were, and learned shortly after that my console doesn't even support them anyway. So I've been searching for an alternative to still get a nice picture that doesn't look so cloudy and faded.
Thanks so much dude!!
Actually, I have some bad news for you. The NTSC GameCube doesn't support RGB SCART. :/
Well shit....
Is there anything you'd recommend for a better quality picture?
Or am I hooped?
Wilson Canivilo There's a few options in order from best to worst (assuming money isn't really an issue.)
1: Get the component cables (I assume this is out).
2: Get an early Wii with GameCube support and get a set of Wii component cables. Will look about 80%-90% as good.
3: Import a PAL GameCube and go the RGB SCART route, but also get an import enabler disc for your NTSC games. Action Replay would suffice.
4: Get S-Video cables for your GameCube. This will be better than composite, but by no means mind blowing.
Unfortunately my console is a newer model and doesn't have that extra port that the older Gamecubes had, so component isn't an option
I had a Wii but gave it away to a friend as a Christmas present last year, because I bought a Wii U. I'm constantly seeing people selling their Wiis for stupid cheap on EBay, and Kijiji, so snagging another isn't a problem. I still have the component cable kicking around.
Thanks for your assistance dude.
You've been more helpful than every other search result that popped up on Google.
And you have another subscriber.
Thanks again!
Wilson Canivilo Happy to help!
As I said in the video, a CRT is not necessary. So, I don't look out for them. But thrift stores might be a decent place to get one.
Haha, at least yours came with a box! Mine was brand new and didn't. This converter does work great, and I'm glad you did a video on it to spread the word. The signal from mine gets pretty jittery on rare occasion, but that might be the quality of the SCART cable itself (using this on a JP Saturn).
I was really going along with this converter until I saw the Genesis. Yes, it is clear (despite the blur from the encoding process you mentioned in comments), but there is a blue hue introduced. It is easily seen in the white of SEGA intro screen. The composite had better whites but of course it was a little over-saturated.
Thanks for this video, it's cool to know this is possible. The only problem is for people with lots of old consoles. Currently, I have two full four-port composite switches, which let me connect all of my pre-Dreamcast stuff (and a Gamecube) to the two composite inputs on my TV. So, I either have to live with the lousy quality, connect and disconnect SCART cables from my consoles to the converter box all the time or buy several boxes and a big HDMI switch. Given those options, I think I'll live with composite.
You can get HDMI and SCART switches, just like your composite switch.
It's what I use actually.
SCART was an insane connector. It's true RGB is its most common use. However it also supported: SVIDEO, Composite and Component over SCART. On Composite and SVIDEO it could be used both ways simultaneously with audio.
It also supports a wide range of screen modes as you know.
It was common here (in the UK) to have one good RGB connector and then a cheaper composite only connector on our TVs.
The Amiga CD32 is based on the Amiga A1200. It had an additional chip though that handled the CD drive and also chunky to planer pixel conversion. Mainly to boost Doom like games.
The CD32 should play most Amiga Games, both the 32-Bit gen and the older 16-Bit area.
I'm considering getting one for my old Amiga so it can be in use on my modern PC Screen. It's a lot better than moving it too and from my TV.
For you guys this is probably the best a Megadrive will ever look. Whilst we had SCART for RGB, PAL caused some serious degradation of the console pictures. The 60 to 50hz drop often slowed down our games. Dropping the frame rate. The games weren't reworked for the extra resolution so we ended up with slower and bordered pictures.
So I'd go further and say the American/Japanese consoles paired with a European SCART cable is the best combo you can get. Don't bother getting a Euro console just for SCART. Unless it's like the CD32.
Big gotcha to the scart-component adapter: It seems a lot of HDTVs don't support 240p either. An old standard-def CRT with component inputs works fine, but out of several Samsung, Visio and Panasonic HDTVs I tried, only a high-end Panasonic plasma would accept a 240p signal.
Depends on the console you're using. Generally 240p or 360p.
Agreed.
As for the Genesis, clean it man. That generally will do the trick.
Oh, the Genesis is a different story.
Just bought the SCART cable. Plug one end in the Genesis AV out port and the other in to the adapter and you're done.
You WERE raised by royalty. All hail the Queen!
One advantage you do get with CRT is no input delay which is great for Music Games.
Thank you both for a clear, concise description, and for openly stating that people who claim that "you need an old TV to see it properly" is absolute bullshit. I've been telling people this for some time now, and they just won't listen (even when shown the difference).
Oh, and I'm English too, so I'm a native SCART user - a good upscaler can be so much better than a "clean" SCART signal. I was much like you in thinking that it wouldn't be that much difference, but it's nice to be surprised sometimes :)
One small correction though, the Amiga C~D32 did NOT do well in Europe really.
Thanks for watching dude.
I haven't tried any output mods or special converters for my SNES yet, but this video makes me want to give it a try and I'll probably turn into a picture quality fanatic. Thanks for the video.
Thanks for watching!
so used to having scart. the SNES came with the yellow white and red cables. that can be put through a small scart adapter that came with EVERY console. i have like 5 of them from different consoles. this is the cable that i use on my n64 as it fits directly. the same cable the same goes for my ps2, that used it too. and infact i think my ps3....although that was immediatley changed to HDMI, obviously.
Guys, i've bought this Scart to Hdmi adapter from ebay a week back, cost me around USD 28 with free shipping. Now I know most of you will say this crap converter does nothing. However i've actually plug in an Omega Entertainment System, basically a consolized Neo Geo MVS using SCART cable to this converter and output it via HDMI to my Philips 32inch LCD TV and the result was great. The resolution i'm using is 720p. Now previously I have composite cable and component to play this console. Before using SCART i'm using component to my LCD TV and after using this converter i can truly notice the difference between component vs SCART-> HDMI. It looks ton better than the component output. Now you will definitely ask me about the lag. Honestly speaking I don't really notice a lag while playing fighting games or even shooters like Pulstar or Blazing star. The lag will be noticeable if the resolution bumps up to 1024, however when i stick it to 720 it plays great. Not to mention the display actually looks better in 720 compare to 1024. Well will i go for the Framemeister, probably not since this guy does the job quite well. The only thing missing is scanline. I'm still searching for something that will help to generate scanline cheaply, but still to no avail. Happy gaming guys.
Maybe I'm mistaken, but Adam mentions around the 7 min mark that N64 doesn't output to SCART.
As a gamer in the UK, I found that you can literally just use the SCART cable that came with the GameCube on an N64 (and a Super Nintendo, for that matter) as the cable-to-console connection is exactly the same.
Granted, this isn't a true SCART cable, as it's made from a Composite connection plugged into a SCART block much like what the 1st gen European Xbox 360s came with.
My point is - this works and the signal quality is ACE :D
+Callum Roberts SCART and RGB SCART aren't the same thing.
+AdamKoralik - Yeah, I became a classic RUclips comment and replied before gathering all the facts.
Fantastic and informative video
Now I know ;)
Yes go for it its totally worth playing old retro videogame systems in high definition
Thanks Adam, I just got one of these based on your advice, works like a dream. I had bought a Jap Neo Geo AES and you can imagine to my dismay when I hooked it up via supplied composite to my 32" flatscreen. It looked like shite, what a disaster, Ryo in AOFii had one red and one green eye, all the red was washy, blocky as hell. So without getting the Neo Geo modded or buying a CRT TV, I went with an RGB Scart and this device. Problem solved. It's not perfect, but it's a thousand times better!!
Good man, I'm glad. Thanks for watching.
My pleasure man.
I went ahead and decided to make the switch to scart and bought a cable and that hdmi converter after watching this video, just thought id share my thoughts! first of all thanks for the video it was very educational and when everything came in and i put it together for my snes my jaw hit the floor i tried all my games out on it and it literally felt like i was playing the snes for the first time! i am very satisfied and i am looking to getting a scart cable for a saturn and a genesis.
It's awesome isn't it?
Thanks for watching, I'm glad it helped you.
hell yeah
@JD Meadows Well, component cables for the N64 don't exist. So, that's the problem.
Without modification, the best the N64 will output is S-Video.
With modification, it can be made to run RGB SCART.
adam i just picked up this scaler with the snes scart u recommended from that one retro lady is there a bigger black bar on the left then there is on the right?
Celestria jabba Black bar on what?
the black bar where the screen dont go its like a letterbox?
Celestria jabba Well, the SNES outputs a 4:3 image, HDTVs are 16:9. So the black bars on the sides are normal.
kk tyvm but on the other note this scaler is pretty dang nice :) snes looks awesome
Is it possible you got the wrong kind of SCART cables? There are RGB SCART and composite passthrough SCART.
Such a helpful video and love the appearance of that Amiga CD32 at the end of the video, they're so expensive now in the UK. You used to be able to get them for like £149 in 1995 with 7 games brand new boxed.... Anyway, found my solution for hooking up my Amiga 600, PS2 Slim and SNES to my screen! Thanks! :)
Thanks for watching!
I use one of these. It's incredible. I'm upgrading all my console connections to match. I can already get amazing RGB out of my SG-1000, Master System, Mega Drive, Saturn (I use VGA to HDMI for Dreamcast) and GameCube. I'm going to be getting a couple of adapters and cables to make my Amiga 600 and CD32 RGB compatible during this week, and they'll be going through this box too. I have the mod chip to upgrade my N64 to RGB, just need to install it.
One thing you failed to mention, though, and it is very relevant especially when you want to capture footage, is that the box automatically (and I can't find a way to stop it) stretches the game image to widescreen. I have a VGA to HDMI and a Component to HDMI box and they hold the aspect ratio, this does not so your footage gets stretched without the ability to stop it.
With capturing, this just means tweaking in post-production to restore the original aspect ratio. But it is a bit of a pain when just playing as it can damage the look of games.
That being said, it DOES work brilliantly with 16:9 games played through Scart. Goldeneye 007, Perfect Dark, Nights Into Dreams, Panzer Dragoon Zwei (amongst a few rare others) all look great in a native 16:9. It's just a shame you can't toggle between 16:9and 4:3 on the box.
Just got my scart & HDMI converter today,and wow this is crisp! Compared to my composite,this picture is godlike!Thank you for this video,now i don't halft to game with composite anymore,with a horrid picture.
Happy to help, enjoy your enhanced gaming experience!
AdamKoralik Adam, if I go straight scart with my snes into my 46' HDTV, will it look the same as on my old CRT or worse?
***** I would assume worse. North American TVs don't have SCART, so I can't test it.
AdamKoralik How weird, here in Europe my early 90s CRT even has that. Oh well, you assume worse, guess a good thing I still got that thing
***** It's pretty common knowledge that SCART was never brought over to North America. We got screwed.
Adam I'll give you a correct term to use.
Yes the consoles are supposed to look like that, but they have to "crapify" the video quality when you use Composite cables.
Either something is defective or it's not configured correctly.