CRT, LCD, Video Inputs, Lightgun HD and More Guides

[XxBroBuzzxX]

So I wanna get the most out of my Gamecube, PS1 (Mini), PS2, SNES (Mini), and N64. What are the best extras for all my systems? (Extras meaning like best cords, best controllers, ETC)

[CRTGAMER]

So I wanna get the most out of my Gamecube, PS1 (Mini), PS2, SNES (Mini), and N64. What are the best extras for all my systems? (Extras meaning like best cords, best controllers, ETC)

From the OP:

In testing all the various video input options, results the worst to the best:

Resolution limited to 480i and below
RF - Don't bother unless you play games with eyes closed.
Composite - lot of color bleeding and blur.
S-Video - clean images.

Resolution can go 480p up to 1080P
Component and RGB - Analog Image resolution higher
DVI and HDMI - Best image being all digital

VGA - Unique to Dreamcast Analog 640x480 Similar to 480p

So to break it down:
Gamecube - Component (Expensive) S-Video next step down
PS1 (Mini) - S-Video
PS2 - Component
N64 - S-Video
SNES (Mini) - Composite (Unless you mod for better S-Video)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Nintendo_Entertainment_System_(Redesigned_Model_SNS-101)#Changes

The SNS-101 features the same "MULTI OUT" audio/video connector used on the original SNS-001 model. However the SNS-101 only outputs composite video and stereo audio through this port, even though the original SNS-001 supported composite video, S-Video and RGB. The video encoder chip used in the system still supports S-Video and RGB, but these pins were left unused. Many users who wished for a better picture resorted to modifying the system to restore this missing functionality.

As far as controllers, original first party tend to be the all around best ones.

[XxBroBuzzxX]

So I wanna get the most out of my Gamecube, PS1 (Mini), PS2, SNES (Mini), and N64. What are the best extras for all my systems? (Extras meaning like best cords, best controllers, ETC)

From the OP:

In testing all the various video input options, results the worst to the best:

Resolution limited to 480i and below
RF - Don't bother unless you play games with eyes closed.
Composite - lot of color bleeding and blur.
S-Video - clean images.

Resolution can go 480p up to 1080P
Component and RGB - Analog Image resolution higher
DVI and HDMI - Best image being all digital

VGA - Unique to Dreamcast Analog 640x480 Similar to 480p

So to break it down:
Gamecube - Component (Expensive) S-Video next step down
PS1 (Mini) - S-Video
PS2 - Component
N64 - S-Video
SNES (Mini) - Composite (Unless you mod for better S-Video)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Nintendo_Entertainment_System_(Redesigned_Model_SNS-101)#Changes

The SNS-101 features the same "MULTI OUT" audio/video connector used on the original SNS-001 model. However the SNS-101 only outputs composite video and stereo audio through this port, even though the original SNS-001 supported composite video, S-Video and RGB. The video encoder chip used in the system still supports S-Video and RGB, but these pins were left unused. Many users who wished for a better picture resorted to modifying the system to restore this missing functionality.

As far as controllers, original first party tend to be the all around best ones.

Thanks for the help! But I can't find any guides on how to mod a SNES for
S-video, and the component cable is WAY to expensive! Also, would the Compenent cables for the Gamecube/PS2 make a difference on my non-HD CRT?

[CRTGAMER]

Thanks for the help! But I can't find any guides on how to mod a SNES for S-video, and the component cable is WAY to expensive! Also, would the Compenent cables for the Gamecube/PS2 make a difference on my non-HD CRT?

Sounds like you have an EDTV if it is not an HD but has Component. Make and model number?

Following the guidelines above, just use the best connection that both your consoles and TV supports. Component has the added benefit of squeezing 480p.

[XxBroBuzzxX]

Thanks for the help! But I can't find any guides on how to mod a SNES for S-video, and the component cable is WAY to expensive! Also, would the Compenent cables for the Gamecube/PS2 make a difference on my non-HD CRT?

Sounds like you have an EDTV if it is not an HD but has Component. Make and model number?

Following the guidelines above, just use the best connection that both your consoles and TV supports. Component has the added benefit of squeezing 480p.

It's made by "Orion" and the model number is "TV1934A" My dad's friend gave it to me when, the place he works, at was replacing old CRTs with new HD ones.

[CRTGAMER]

It's made by "Orion" and the model number is "TV1934A" My dad's friend gave it to me when, the place he works, at was replacing old CRTs with new HD ones.

Price was right! I think part of the Sansui line? I did find one site that stated this 19" was made in 2003. Puts it the right era of EDTV. You did say it has a Component RED-BLUE-GREEN input? If so, Component with a PS2 lightgun at 480p will be very sweet! See the OP for details.

[XxBroBuzzxX]

It's made by "Orion" and the model number is "TV1934A" My dad's friend gave it to me when, the place he works, at was replacing old CRTs with new HD ones.

Price was right! I think part of the Sansui line? I did find one site that stated this 19" was made in 2003. Puts it the right era of EDTV. You did say it has a Component RED-BLUE-GREEN input? If so, Component with a PS2 lightgun at 480p will be very sweet! See the OP for details.

Sadly it only has composite input, though I do plan to buy this switch-box that has Component.
Also, this is my planned set-up for all my systems:

(BTW I forgot to mention this, but my PS2 is a slim model. Don't know if that makes a difference or not)

[CRTGAMER]

Just using Composite cables on everything. You can't use Component cables for a composite only TV, even with a switchbox. However you can have more then one switch box in series as you need more inputs.

[XxBroBuzzxX]

Just using Composite cables on everything. You can't use Component cables for a composite only TV, even with a switchbox. However you can have more then one switch box in series as you need more inputs.

So basically it's pointless to buy Component/S-video cables for my TV?

[CRTGAMER]

I just got a PM from a member, though I would share here.

Hey

I have a question I hope you might be able to answer. I just sold somebody a snes mini that's modded to do s-video. He didn't look and realized his new TV doesn't have s-video only component and HDMI. I was wondering if you knew of a way simply to pass through the s-video signal into the component connection.

From reading your CRT vs LCD guide, I had though it might be possible to use the s-video to Y/C RCA cable you detailed for the Commodore 64. My thought was you plug the Y RCA cabled into the green component port, and the C into either the Red or Blue one. I wasn't sure whether either the red or blue component port would accept the full color spectrum. Additionally one might be able to use a simple Y splitter on the C rca lead into both the blue and red ports in hopes that each port would only take the colors they were designed for.

Unfortunately that won't work. You won't be able to push the S-Video two channels to either Component or RGB three channels. Your best bet is to get an upscaler box to capture the S-Video to either Component, HDMI or VGA if your HD has the input. bear in mind the VGA route will work if your HD also supports 640x480 mode. A less desirable route is going to a worse signal of the readily available Composite inputs.

The Commodore cable is the same signals as a S-Video connection. A shame the industry standard didn't adopt that double RCA and went the single S-Video fragile 4 pin route.

An unfortunate circumstance on a lot of newer HDs, dropping S-Video support. At least most still have one or two composite inputs. Most now have VGA inputs but unfortunately some don't support 640x480, the common screen size of Dreamcast and upscaled Retro consoles.