How to get the best possible video from a retro console...

One of my secret projects is unveiled...

I recently designed this small box for getting the best possible video output from the Neo Geo systems. It basically outputs 15kHz RGBHV video from its VGA port.
It's a must have for my American friends who don't have an RGB Scart input on their TVs...
You don't have to mod your console with encoder boards with component/composite outputs, this is pure RGB, so better than any other solution.
However this is good for only who owns plasma/LCD screens or VGA upscalers (15kHz->31kHz).

Compatible with all NG models (AES or CD), however on some AES systems, RGB output needs to be modified.

I am thinking of building these VGA boxes for the other systems as well (Saturn, Mega Drive/Genesis, SNES,N64, PS...)

Price: $30 including shipping

View attachment 5853

 

TBH, reasonable idea, BUT you should use a DE9, not HD15 plug, as 15k RGB is a valid CGA signal, and will not work wiht most vga sources directly, but CGA input is usually handled via DE9 jacks as what one could call a "standard".

Personally, if you want something a bit more standard and as a complete solution, you'd be better off adding a rob->component converter to the mix as it can be done with a moderately simple discrete circuit, or if you'd prefer a smaller solution, even by a single chip.

 

This is for new TVs not old monitors... My plasma monitors all have a HD15 input for VGA video, component output needs a conversion not for my purist tastes...

 

Anyway you could say, Component too?:-d How would this work without modding my SNES or n64? or would I need said mods to make this work for them?

 

N64 needs an internal RGB mod which is just a rerouting of the RGB signals... SNES/SFC needs nothing to mod, probably will give better output than original RGB Scart cables, however I haven't tested yet.
It all depends on the VGA cable you use, you need a good quality one...

 

So this would work on the Nintendo 64?
What exactly does it do, just gives a nicer picture quality?

 

Theoretically it would work... In place of the RGB Scart cable.
It has a sync separator circuit, so outputs both Horizontal and Vertical Syncs... not just composite sync.
If you have a RGB modded N64, then no need for the RGB Scart cable.

BTW, this one doesn't have the audio jacks, depending on the console and needs, they can be added...

 

Can't wait to se the results.

 

that is really good as finding high quality vga cables are a lot easier than finding console spesicific rgb cables.

though as far as i know most modern sets do not support 15 khz video over VGA input. old multi-sync monitors or professional monitors mostly support it. so this will only be useful with a component transcoder or a 31 khz line doubler.

 

This is why I suggested adding a connector that makes sense, such as DE9.
It's not like DE9 to HD15 adapters cost anything.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/p...=10414&cs_id=1041401&p_id=1144&seq=1&format=2

Just please don't call them vga boxes, as they specifically aren't.

 

Dude I would buy one for every one of my systems. Especially my MD and SS but SNES is a must as well.

 

It has a VGA port(HD15/DSUB/DE15 or whatever) to be used with an upscaler like XRGB series or the following one (popular among gamers nowadays)

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CGA-EGA-RGB...746?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item519e5afb92

Add a scanline generator, then you have the best of both worlds...

This box eases the way you plug your old consoles to these upscalers, in the past you have to add a female scart jack and a sync separator circuit to the converter, but now no need to mod your upscaler.
Or you have to purchase the Sync Strike:
http://www.arcadeforge.de/product_info.php?products_id=15&XTCsid=niofvtgbfb3hoq13t8lljamoe2

These boxes will also eliminate the search for a good RGB scart cable for your console to be used either with a component converter or an upscaler.

Short shielded VGA cable used for better video quality.
I tried this circuit on my supergun before, and I am very content about it. I am currently using it on my CPS2 & MVS systems too.

 

Just because it has a 15 pin port doesn't mean it's a VGA box if it's not outputting a VGA compatible signal.

Arcade monitors run at 15kHz, but standard VGA is 31kHz. As a result ALL monitors with a "VGA input" will support 31kHz, but only a very small percentage of those will support 15kHz input.

If you try to sell this as a "VGA box" you're going to get a lot of buyers complaining and wanting returns when it doesn't work as expected.

 

I thought I explained it briefly however I recommend you to read all of my posts before posting something.
If your TV doesn't accept 15khz signal then you need an upscaler to convert from 15khz to 31khz, so this is not for PC monitors in case you don't have an upscaler. However some old monitors accept 15khz, you have to check its specs. Not all TVs can support 15khz, you have to check its manual. This box creates R,G,B,H,V signals only, it doesn't reproduce or convert anything just splits the console's csync output to H and V syncs to make it more compatible with these screens and upscalers.

 

hl718 and defor are correct though - if its 15khz, its not VGA. Just because the ebay CGA scaler also has a HD15 connector doesnt mean its right. Though I do see why you are using the "wrong" connector - for ease, as the scaler you intend people to use also has that same connection and a hd15 -> hd15 cable is easy to get

 

If I'm not mistaken those 31khz to 15khz or vice-versa takes the analog input, transform it into digital and than go back to analog.

This conversions would degree the image quality in a very noticible way.

 

We understand what you're doing on a technical level.

What we're trying to tell you is that you're using the wrong terms to describe it.

VGA is a defined standard. VGA supports 31kHz.

If you advertise your box as a "VGA box" or as having "VGA output" anywhere (here, eBay, other forums, etc.) you are going to have people buying it and then complaining that it doesn't work as advertised.

What you've created is a custom RGB cable. If you plan on making these and selling them, you should sell them as RGB cables. If you try to sell them as "VGA boxes" you're going to run into trouble.

 

How much for one of these?!?!?!?

 

This talk about VGA output reminds me of the SLPH-00016, Sony licensed PS1 VGA Box made by Waka.

http://www.modcontrol.com/Board/ps2-hardware/18117-ps1-ps2-original-vga-up-scan-converter.html

Wonder what kind of chip it has for it being able to output 640x480 31kHz.

 

Particularly for PAL consoles. 50hz is not part of the VGA standard.