Anyone have a recommendation for one? The new TV I just bought doesn't have a VGA input and Im wanting to get VGA for my dreamcast. I've seen a few online but they have mixed reviews. Anyone using one specifically for their Dreamcast? Thanks
I can recommend a different approach to this. I’m using a SCART to HDMI converter for my Dreamcast systems. I’m using this converter: Panlong PAL/ NTSC SCART/ HDMI to HDMI Video Converter Box I've been using it for over 8 months; I have 3 Dreamcasts (US, JP, PAL) connected to a SCART switch box – connected to this converter. I’ve never had any problems with it. I really like it. I've tried other converter setups and this by far has been the best option in simplicity ... also pleased with the video image output. These are the display output options (NTSC/PAL): 800x600 1024x768 1250x1024 1080p 720p I purchased my Dreamcast SCART cables from this seller on eBay: gamecoveandcollectibles121204
I use the panlong and it's great! I use it to for scart to hdmi on my top loader nes (viletimrb), snes and Saturn. However, does the dreamcast output 480p through scart like it does on vga?
No... the Dreamcast does not output 480p through SCART; that's why I use Panlong scaler. I wish the scaler did offer 480p or 640x480, but I'm pretty happy with its features.
This is possible by making a composite sync signal out of horizontal and vertical sync. There are a few circuits around for this but you can also get a Kenzei from beharbros for that, but most scalers don't acknowledge this weird 480p RGBS signal, but the xRGB Mini Framemeister is capable of handling this.
It's probably better to use VGA for Dreamcast if you're using an HDTV. If you use SCART, then you're getting a deinterlaced 480i signal. A 480p signal will look much better. If you have a Framemeister, then one of beharius' devices would be a good option. Otherwise, I would just use a VGA to HDMI convertor.
I've been on a personal quest to get the best output video from my Dreamcast systems. I have used different adaptors including VGA boxes and most recently tried a VGA to HDMI adaptor. I'll still stick with my current SCART setup as it looks better at 720p than it did at 480p. Yes... SCART does output 480i, but that's not an issue with the convertor. I'll admit that I can't tell the difference between 1080p and 720p on my setup (most likely due to the conversion of analog to digital), but I can tell that's better than VGA 480p.
I use a Gefen VGA to DVI Scaler Plus. Gives you a crazy amount of resolutions and means you can connect via HDMI with a simple adaptor/cable. Can also connect via VGA or DVI. It's the best solution I have found (for my set up) Can recommend it although the other solutions mentioned are all good too.
Gefen makes good stuff. I have one of their DACs, one that converts an RCA or optical SPDIF input to analog audio output. It works, and the audio quality is pretty good. I'm sure the quality isn't as good as some of the more expensive DAC units, but for the price (it was like $50 I think?) it's a pretty cool device.
