Sega Genesis Model 2: RGB or S-Video?

Over the months have passed by, seeing as how everyone was modding their Genesis for S-Video or using those SCART Converters for RGB, I figured I might as well try to upgrade my genesis in a way just to get a better image for my HDTV. (I use composite for my Genesis and S-Video for most of my consoles except the Wii which uses component cables and the Dreamcast for the time being is still using composite.)

However I wasn't exactly sure on WHAT should I go for, seeing as how doing Scart is pretty expensive and you'd have to look for a specific model that would work well for your TV in terms of the video quality, and seeing as how I have to mod my Genesis Model 2 for S-Video since there's no S-Video Cables for the Genesis as far as I'm aware and I have no skills in terms of modding. Another problem I hear is the fact that SCART RGB is mostly a PAL region exclusive and that might be a bit of a problem for me since I live in the U.S.

Regardless of that Should I go for RGB? Or S-Video?

Also if anyone might ask about what genesis model 2 I have, I sadly have the one with the Full Motherboard, though I'm not sure which VA I have.

 

s-video is of course more common here. It'll easily work on a wide range of sets. Though recent TVs have dropped support.

RGB bypasses parts of the video encoding. More consistent quality between consoles, and shouldn't need a color fix for 50hz (NTSC at 50hz is invalid).
Remember that 32X uses RGB input. You'd have to perform two s-video mods to play both 32X or Master System games.

 

Luckily I have an HDTV that still supports S-Video so thankfully that won't be an issue for me for now.

And I have a 32X too..FFF- Completely forgot that it needs to be modded as well... (I have one just for some of the exclusives and whatnot, otherwise I wouldn't have even bought one.)

So I assume just go with a S-Video Mod? I might have to preform that Crystal Clear Sound Mod thing that people do for Genesis Model 2's that have the bad sound chip. My Genesis Model 2 is the one with the Full Motherboard.

 

Since you live in America, definitely go with S-Video. I have a Trinitron and I can see practically every pixel through the scanlines. Colors are bright and fantastic. I can't believe my video switcher doesn't need power for this, compared to say component.

RGB will require a lot more work, especially when it is uncommon in America. You'll need to buy the expensive cables ($20 yikes!) and an upscaler for a HDTV ($400 from Japan!).

Don't start cutting things up just yet on your Genesis model 2. There are a few things you need to know. Model 2s are not guaranteed to have the video encoder that outputs S-Video. Some use a samsung encoder, but ordering a Sony CXA2075 should help, but desoldering this surface mount chip is a pita for newbies. If your Genesis 2 does have a Sony encoder, GREAT.

Now you have to worry about the capacitors on your motherboard. Sega apparently used a mixed of capacitors for some boards rather than sticking to one brand for consistency. There are a few versions that actually do like my VA2.3, which has all Rubycon capacitors. Just to be safe, make sure to order a cap kit and start replacing each capacitor on the board.

The crystal clear audio mod for the Genesis model 2 is a pain in the butt for the inexperienced, not to mention the board will cost a pretty penny. If you don't have any hangups about sound quality, just as long as you can hear the music and sound effects decently, leave the audio alone.

I hope you did your research before attempting anything. Because research is always key.

 

Now if you're lucky to own a CRT SDTV... Turning RGB externally into component is an option to consider. The simple boxes do not upscale.
No modding at all, one purchase to cover multiple consoles with usable RGB out.

 

I should have figured RGB would be even more difficult and expensive to do, Good thing my HDTV has S-Video so I don't have to worry much about it. I don't have any CRT SDTV due to not having the space for a big one in my room, though I can probably fit a small one in here, but that's it. I suppose I'll just have to go with S-Video for my Genesis, which I was considering doing anyway, but with how most people recommend RGB, I was just wondering if I should go ahead and try that, but seeing as how I would have to buy alot of crap for it, it probably wouldn't be worth the spending to me.

 

Oh No No, I'm not saying that I'm gonna mod it myself, I don't have any skills when it comes to modding stuff and even then I don't have every tool for doing so.

I can't really tell on which VA I have since I don't know how the differences look. But I wasn't sure if I should just find a Genesis Model 2 with that 2/3 motherboard, or just try to see if I can get this full motherboard genesis 2 modded. since apparently the Full Motherboard is the worst of the Genesis 2.

 

If you wanna go cheap, pick up a Genesis 1 from eStarland for ~$35, go to a 99 cent store and pickup a headphone jack to rca audio cable. Those are the best units to get nonetheless.

 

Having modded plenty of Genesis consoles, I can honestly say the s-video is probably the best middle ground you're going to get if you're looking for picture clarity. The colors are nice and crisp, and like others have said, it comes pretty close to RGB. That said, My preference is component video here in the states. No SCART to RGB adapters, works on all SDTVs and a good chunk of HDTVs.

 

I was considering that, but then I figured not to worry about that for now. Though I might do that. I do have the 32X add-on so I'm not even gonna bother looking for that cable that connects the 32X to the model 1.

 

Oh so I'm aware with S-Video, I upgraded to S-video on SNES/N64/Gamecube (since they use the same cable) and My Sega Saturn, though I'm questioning the S-Video cable I got for the Saturn since it's one of those cables where the wires to the S-Video is in the middle instead of the left.

 

Is the upscaler really necessary for rgb? It would be cheaper and simpler to get a component transcoder (unless component inputs are vanishing now, too?) Unless you're concerned with lag, but that would exist on s-video and composite as well. Or is the issue 240p over component? I've heard that can be a problem, but I've yet to run into an HDTV that won't accept it (maybe I'm just lucky)

 

manufacturers are always cheaping out i just hope scart on tv's here in the uk never go.
took our s/video.

 

My TV has no input lag for any of my systems, I'm asking this for video quality purposes.

 

The upscaler is needed to produce a signal that the TV can accept; not all HDTVs accept 240p over component. The most commonly used signal for RGB is 480p. The Framemeister line doesn't produce any lag as far as I can tell, but it is expensive. If you're planning on using this system on a HDTV, I still say your best option is s-video, or component if your TV accepts 240p signals. A good test is to plug the yellow composite cable into the Y (green) plug of the set. If you get a black and white picture, your TV more than likely accepts 240p component.

 

Literally every TV will "accept" 240p component, few however won't attempt to deinterlace it. The same goes for every other connection though.

 

I would recommend going for RGB as the quality is AMAZING. Now, not any TV will support that. I have a Commodore 1084 monitor that has a RGB input (9 pin), you only need to make the cable (not hard at all, or look for it on eBay). The monitor should be around $50 or even less, and it looks SO GOOD, believe me. You won't go back from RGB after this setup.

 

How can I know if my TV could support it?

 

From personal experience, only TVs from Europe should have RGB on it (using a SCART connector). So, at this side of the world we are, forget it. It would be a lot easier to get a RGB Commodore monitor.

You need one like this (with patience you will find it a lot cheaper):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Commodore-1...tage_Computers_Mainframes&hash=item3a8fa11801

 

Of course, basic laws of electricity. To the user a black screen or "no signal" type message is the same as not accepting.