Ah ok. You still don't need a PAL system for 15KHz RGB. NTSC systems can do that too with GCVideo lite or a modified GC Component or D-Terminal Cable. Just make sure progressive scan mode is turned off and it will stay at Low Definition and Standard Definition. PAL GCs just have it built-in.
Can you show me this GCVideo Lite that outputs RGB on a NTSC console? I didn't look around too long, but is this something that can be bought now?
Here you go. You have to set a jumper to enable RGB mode. Also, the GameCube doesn't use the RGB color space. It instead uses a form of YCbCr digital Component Video. So by outputting the system in RGB mode, it converts the color space to RGB. Not sure if this causes a loss in quality but if so, use YPbPr component video mode or use the DVI version, which can output YCbCr to the TV over an HDMI cable.
I actually meant if you were aware of anyone that turned it into a commercial product you can buy such as a cable or device you can plug in and use. I don't want to solder to my GameCube or any DIY stuff really.
Sadly no cables yet. BuffaloWing is working on making replacement plugs for the digital av port. No idea when he will be done though.
I hope someone succeeds in bringing about a viable product not just for DVI/HDMI and VGA but also 15khz RGB. It's a shame only the PAL units have it.
It is a shame. I really wish Nintendo put 15KHz RGB output on the NTSC GC. Guess they never thought people would be using it nowadays so they left it out. If there is one thing I don't like about the PAL GC's RGB output is that C-Sync or Luma isn't available, meaning you have to use Composite video as sync or a sync stripper. They could have probably saved some money using a better DAC that outputted Composite Video, S-Video, RGB, C-Sync and YPbPr at both 15KHz and 31KHz. They could have done what the PS2 did and make the RGB and Component modes selectable in the BIOS. Then again, it's Nintendo we're talking about. They haven't gone for what's convenient for AV equipment since the original model NTSC SNES consoles came out. At least a PAL console can do 15KHz RGB at 60Hz. So with a boot disc, playing NTSC games in 15KHz RGB is possible on an unmodded PAL unit without the need for GCVideo or a modded component cable. Seems cheaper to just mod an NTSC unit for GCVideo than import a PAL console to the USA lately.
I considered looking into a PAL unit but the cost is more than I'd spend for the benefit gained. I'm not likely to play a whole lot of GameCube. With the S-Video support on my newer monitor it'll be good enough for me.
Sadly, this is what I'm probably going to do as well. If I did get a PAL unit, I'd have to go and install another XenoGC modchip in it, and I can't be bothered to do it right now. S-Video on my JVC PVM looks pretty good on a lot of games. Some games aren't quite perfect, but it's alright with me for the $15 dedicated S-Video cable I got. RGB add on card should ship today, so here's hoping it comes this week
While you probably will get better video quality from the GC, playing GC games on the Wii with component cables looks pretty good. In my current setup, I have the Wii connected to a component to VGA converter, and it's being displayed in its native 640 x 480 resolution on my computer monitor. It looks really good on that monitor, and I think the difference between that and a GC with component/RGB is probably not very noticeable. Plus, the Wii doesn't require any mods or $200 cables.
I've used both the official Component cable for the GameCube and a Wii cable and can definitely tell the difference. It's close to night and day. The GC looks sharper and the colors are brighter and more colorful than the Wii. This is due to the DAC in the GC Component cable being far superior to the one in the Wii. I've got some comparison pics if you want them.
Just got the Component/RGB card in the mail yesterday! Works perfectly, and it's in great shape. Tested with PS1 games under Component.. Never knew PS1 games could look so good. Here it is if anyone's wondering:
Looks like a nice card. Also, the PS1 can't do Component, only RGB. When you use the component cables, it outputs RGB. You still need a separate sync signal for it though. Luma is the best if you don't want to modify the PS1. I notice it has 5 BNC connectors. Will it do RGB with H-Sync and V-Sync?
Ah ok lol. That can do analog YPbPr and digital YCbCr Component video. You can actually make them look slightly better by using RGB but you will need a component cable with a composite video plug or an s-video plug and a s-video to BNC or RCA adapter.
Or you could do that... That is a better idea than mine. If you do that, I recommend retro_console_accessories on eBay. They make awesome cables. I've also heard good things about retrogamingcables.co.uk too. Just make sure the cable uses Luma as sync or has a sync stripper.
That too. Component is just a compressed RGB, and it really doesn't lose its quality when compressed from what I've read. I might try a PS2 SCART cable later on, but I think that they're spendy. And it will do H-Sync and V-Sync @MonkeyBoyJoey
Why are you obsessed with Luma for sync or sync in general? The issues that are sync related are due to poorly conditioned signals before it hits the TV. You are going to see like no difference between Luma, composite video and csync on a playstation in almost all cases. (same with gamecube you almost mentioned this about earlier in the thread). The only people who need to be concerned about sync are pvm owners that can't use Luma or composite video as the device lacks an internal sync stripper. Using a stripper on composite video or Luma gives same thing. Or people using a n64 with RGB mod, csync as sync and using a Samsung TV ... It feels like you read something once and are just repeating it over and over in many threads?
