Inexpensive Xrgb Alternatives?

For the inevitable day my CRT dies I'll need something to upscale and generate scanlines on whatever TV I end up with. XRGBs are something I'd like but they're quite expensive Are there any alternatives that do at least some of what it does (upscale/Generate scanlines) there are plenty of S-video to HDMI converters but none that to my knowledge generate scanlines.

 

Er, the GBS 8820 usually gets recommended. Alone, it usually sells for about $50.00. Mind you, it doesnt offer scanlines or anything, and what it plays nice with can be system dependent. For $50, it is a pretty decent deal, especially if youre not ready to take the XRGB plunge. IF you need scanlines, you can build a scanline generator to accompany it or just buy one. I had one prior to buying an XRGB and was pretty satisfied. Ultimately, you should consider an XRGB though. I have a XRGB 2+ that I paid about $150.00 for and I couldnt be happier. Well, maybe the Framemeister would make me a little happier.

 

$150 isn't bad maybe it's just the Framemeisters that are $500+?

 

You should check http://retrogaming.hazard-city.de/

A lot of information about different upscaling unites! A GBS 8820 isn't a bad start but there are a lot of older HT upscalers available which do a much better job.

Only the XRGB3 and framemeister are expensive, the XRGB2(+) can be found a lot cheaper on the secondhand market.

 

DVDO Pro and Ultra do scanlines for composite and S-Video, and component I think too. They are usually less than $100 on ebay.

 

I'm selling a refurbed XRGB-2 with super mode enabled for 325.

 

I've used many cheaper up-scan converters. There's a reason why they are cheaper, they're not as good or even in the same league. If you want cheap get the XRGB2+

 

How much is the XRGB2+ going for Yakumo?

 

I have seen XRGB2(+) go for 150 - 250 dollar. A good place to check for upscalers is http://shmups.system11.org/viewforum.php?f=4, lots of arcade boards but also scalers!

 

I couldn't say for outside Japan prices but here a nice used one will cost about 7000 to 10'000 yen.

 

Wow that's cheap!

 

When my CRT dies, I would personally do a one time purchase and just get a framemeister not buy 1 and then buy a better one later.

 

*Rolls around in Framemeister*

:encouragement:

I do miss the CRT for light gun games though... :sorrow:

 

Indeed, as amazing as the framemeister is, it still won't help with light gun games. The only way to play light gun games is on a good old CRT screen.

 

Lucky I finished all the light gun games before throwing in the towel to upscaled, scanlined goodness! :encouragement:
What type of systems will you be using with the upscaler / scanliner anyway?

 

For me I use only RGB so there's Dreamcast out since that never got a 21pin RGB cable released in Japan although I have an official VGA box for that. Through the Framemeister I used a Mega Drive, Super Famicom and Saturn. All look amazing!

 

I have to say that the Dreamcast looks terrible on SCART. VGA is definitely the winner of that battle! I mean VGA + HANZO of course! :smile-new:

 

I'd like to see that. I wasn't aware of a 21pin RGB cable for Mega Drive either.

 

Can't you do VGA out from the DC to the Framemeister, which can then upscale and add scan lines?

I've been considering purchasing a Framemeister from Yakumo partly for that purpose

 

XRGB-3 takes VGA in, right?