Master System/Power Base Converter questions

[Lokkenjawnz]

Alright so I've got some questions about the SMS, specifically the 3D and the light phaser:

Do the 3D glasses work fine with the Power Base Converter? I know the card slot is there, but there seems to be some compatibility issues with some of the genny's add-ons.

Moreover, are the 3D games good? I mean beyond the novelty of the 3D, are there any really solid games that use the 3D well?

Onto the light phaser: the light phaser works fine with the genny and the PB Converter right? Also, I know that old school light guns have issues with LCD TVs, but I haven't done much research into this. Do they completely not work, or do they just act strangely?

And lastly what's the average price for the 3D glasses and the light phaser? I don't care too much about completeness and whatnot, I buy my games to be played!

Sorry for the undoubtedly noobiness of my questions, I'd just much rather ask the knowledgeable types here than venture through the sites that google gives me.

[superlarz]

Lightguns completely not work on any HDTV. LCD, Plasma, CRT, it doesnt matter. They will not work.

[Hateshinai]

The 3D glasses are supposed to work with the converter. I have one + glasses but no games that use them so I can't check.

[Hatta]

Yes, the 3d goggles work with the power base converter. As well as they work at all, that is. They're mostly a novelty, and I find it hard to maintain the 3d effect without seeing double.

There are a few games that would be good if you got good at using the goggles, it may just take some practice. Maze Hunter 3d and Missile Defense 3d spring to mind.

I'm not sure what a good price would be, I got mine in a lot.

[Lokkenjawnz]

Cool, thanks guys. Sounds like I'll have to snap up some SMS stuff next time I find some.

I am curious though, does anyone know why the light guns don't work with modern TVs? I think someone told me once, but I can't for the life of me figure out why they don't work. I'd guess it has to do with the refresh rate of the screen maybe?

[molotovwars]

The glasses can sell for a pretty penny, but can be had cheap in lots. I sold a boxed pair for $80 a month or two ago after having seen another (in better condition pair) sell for $140 and around that time saw loose pairs selling for $35-40, sometimes higher. When I tested mine they worked like shit even though others had told me it was the one not bullshit add-on. I wouldn't spend any money to get them, but its up to you.

[MrPopo]

I am curious though, does anyone know why the light guns don't work with modern TVs? I think someone told me once, but I can't for the life of me figure out why they don't work. I'd guess it has to do with the refresh rate of the screen maybe?

There are better explanations out there, but it basically boils down to a fundamental difference in the display technology.

Tube TVs (CRT) operate by using an electron gun to paint lines on the screen. They sweep from left to right, then drop down a line and repeat. It's like a very fast typewriter, and it occurs at a very constant rate. So when the trigger is pulled you can know exactly at what point the drawing is occuring. A frequent method used is when the trigger is pulled do a one frame draw that will illuminate your potential targets in a color that the light gun can reocognize. Since NTSC runs at just under 60 frames a second this frame will be drawn and erased faster than you can move or release the trigger. So if the gun sees one of the illuminated targets you know there is a hit, and the specific target that is hit is based on the exact time that the hit is detected in the drawing cycle.

The LCD and Plasma displays are fundamentally different. They can turn on and off every pixel at will, so each new frame appears instantly. This prevents you from using the timing trick with drawing the frame.

[superlarz]

I am curious though, does anyone know why the light guns don't work with modern TVs? I think someone told me once, but I can't for the life of me figure out why they don't work. I'd guess it has to do with the refresh rate of the screen maybe?

There are better explanations out there, but it basically boils down to a fundamental difference in the display technology.

Tube TVs (CRT) operate by using an electron gun to paint lines on the screen. They sweep from left to right, then drop down a line and repeat. It's like a very fast typewriter, and it occurs at a very constant rate. So when the trigger is pulled you can know exactly at what point the drawing is occuring. A frequent method used is when the trigger is pulled do a one frame draw that will illuminate your potential targets in a color that the light gun can reocognize. Since NTSC runs at just under 60 frames a second this frame will be drawn and erased faster than you can move or release the trigger. So if the gun sees one of the illuminated targets you know there is a hit, and the specific target that is hit is based on the exact time that the hit is detected in the drawing cycle.

The LCD and Plasma displays are fundamentally different. They can turn on and off every pixel at will, so each new frame appears instantly. This prevents you from using the timing trick with drawing the frame.

Yeah.. and it wont work on CRT HDTVs because of the refresh rate

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

You'd think that somebody in the upconverter box or tv industry would have capitalized on creating something to allow backwards compatibility with legacy entertainment peripherals.

[superlarz]

there is something like that for lightguns. you put sensors around the tv and have to use their gun. its not compatable with every system though.. if i have time to look for a link ill post it. you can search these forums and find it if you want.