Making older videogame consoles look decent on an HDTV?

What's the best way to get older videogame systems (Genesis, Dreamcast, N64, etc.) looking decent on an HDTV without lag? Is there a way to mod the consoles to achieve this?

 

Component encoder from RGB, but since you don't already know this I'm going to assume you wouldn't be able to build the circuit yourself. However you can buy encoders for such things.

Not sure how it would look except maybe less fugly but possibly still stretched.

 

A few months ago I learned how to padhack in order to build an arcade stick/project box setup for Street Fighter 4, so I could probably build it with instructions if it's just soldering components together.

 

it will sharpen the image for n64, but it won't make it HD by any means. I play Mario 64 in component via emulator and honestly it doesn't do much but take the edge off the blur. As for older systems same thing applies and it really doesn't help much. For older systems there isn't much you can do to make it high definition, that's just like asking for a magic bullet.

 

You actually can make the N64 high definition by digitally upscanning the picture 3x to 720p. This requires a small FPGA with at least a line of dual port memory (I think 640x18) and 3x new 6-bit DACs. Unless you have a CRT though it will still have to be processed (generally around 8ms or 1/2 frame in lag on good TVs -- not remotely bad!).

 

Yeh it basically is. Didn't mean to sound condescending but in my experience if someone doesn't already know about something they usually don't possess the skill to do it. At least with electronics.

 

At least for the Dreamcast you can use a DVI connection. It won't be as vibrant as HD, but it looks better than S-Video or something else you might be using already.

This is a much cheaper and easier option than breaking open the Dreamcast for some mod.

 

Dreamcast VGA, that is. :110:

It does look really good but you have to be lucky to find an official SEGA VGA Cable/Box or one that works really good.

 

Sorry - I meant VGA. Mine is hooked up through a VGA to DVI adapter on my tv.

 

Dreamcast VGA Cable


http://racketboy.com/store/dreamcast-vga-cable-box.htm

 

The DC VGA box/cable is an extremely simple circuit that anyone could probably make as long as they can follow a simple diagram. You can even stuff it inside the DC if you're handy enough.

 

Well for losers like me - I just buy one. :katamari:

I found that even some of the brand x units do ok. I haven't tried buying any of the private made units though (ebay users that made their own).

I think I remember reading that a Japanese VGA adapter will not work on the American console, but the American VGA adapters will work on Japanese or American units. (at least my American one works on both my Japanese and American units)

 

For the non-modding-people, I think it's better stick with CRT... =)

 

This is false.

-hl718

 

Dreamcast VGA adapters work on everything with the same plug
If your TV has a real Scart RGB input, there are some N64 versions out there which apparently have the RGB signal connected to the video out port, that should be the best picture you can get out of that old bugger without really doing some nasty shit.
For the rest (composite or SHVS out only), I would recommend a little PC (doesn't even have to be too powerful) with a good analogue TV card. The better cards usually have hardware upscalers and quite a few settings to beef up the image. Set it to fullscreen and display the result via DVI/HDMI on the tv - boom! Best image you will probably get.
For Mega Drive, SNES, 3DO and everything newer there were real Scart RGB cables though, best get one of those - least amount of hassle and really decent picture quality if you use a shielded cable.
For console pinouts look at gamesx.com - there you can also find instructions to mod certain console models which lack native RGB output.

For the Xbox I'd recommend the original X2VGA from Neoya. Not the X2VGA2 which is basically just a component to VGA converter, the original box needed no extra power supply, it just dangled from the back of your box. The picture is super crisp and sharp (I have my box hooked up to a HP L2065P), some games will not run in progressive mode though, and some others have really really weird videomodes (Soul Calibur 2 p.ex, 720x720 - i.e. a distorted square picture! Need to set it to 480p and everything is fine again)
But that's only important for guys like me who use an ordinary monitor or a digital projector that's lacking component inputs.

 

One small question, i saw that almost all consoles in France, from old Atari systems till 128-bit era were released with a scart output. Would this make any difference in let's say some sort of upscaling. Many thanks.