Component for Game Cube, N64, and Jaguar?

[vash23n]

I got a 50" HDTV and, though I know none of these systems are HD and that it probably doesn't matter how high quality I get with the cables (especially for the N64 and Jag) I am trying to get rid of a switch box by plugging as much into the TV as I can. I know I can get component cables for the Wii and Game Cube, but did they make the N64 and Jaguar component capable as well? A couple of other posts said that the Game Cube and N64 component cables were interchangeable, but I may have misunderstood.

[flamepanther]

I know I can get component cables for the Wii and Game Cube, but did they make the N64 and Jaguar component capable as well?

I don't believe so, but I'm almost certain the consoles can be modified to output to component.

A couple of other posts said that the Game Cube and N64 component cables were interchangeable, but I may have misunderstood.

No, the composite cables are interchangeable. The component cables on the GC used a separate connector that isn't compatible with any other system.

[vash23n]

I know I can get component cables for the Wii and Game Cube, but did they make the N64 and Jaguar component capable as well?

I don't believe so, but I'm almost certain the consoles can be modified to output to component.

A couple of other posts said that the Game Cube and N64 component cables were interchangeable, but I may have misunderstood.

No, the composite cables are interchangeable. The component cables on the GC used a separate connector that isn't compatible with any other system.

[Hobie-wan]

You can get an s-video cable for the N-64 and if you want to really splurge you can get a Cat Box for the Jag which will give you s-video and old school RGB.

[Anapan]

For Component on Gamecube, your GC needs to have the "Digital AV Out" port on the back (I read that not all of them have this). The official cable has electronics in it that convert the digital output into analog component video. They're kinda expensive on ebay.
For N64 and Jaguar, you can get RGB SCART cables relatively easily to get a clean signal from the console, then you'd need a SCART to Component converter to encode the 15khz RGB signal to NTSC or PAL Component video. I just ordered one of these earlier today. I'll be reporting on it's effectiveness when it arrives, but from what I've read it's the best deal and works well.
http://www.gamesx.com/wiki/doku.php?id=av:csy-2100
edit: updated the link to more info.

[pepharytheworm]

I know they made some 3 in 1 one type component cords that say the work on the GCN and N64. I am curious myself if they will give a slight better picture, I know they won't give 480p, progressive scan, but would it at least look sharper than s-video or composite?

I know that all my Xbox, PS2, PS1, and GCN games all look better with component cables even if the game doesn't support progressive scan. Anybody ever use any of the cables that claim to be component N64/GCN cables and can give us some insight?

This is one like product

[emwearz]

If you have the right model you can RGB mod a N64, but other than that no.

[vash23n]

I have seen those universal component cables online. They seem pretty decent, but I always worry about them because I remember some other all-in-one products having issues. I think I am going to stick with composite for the N64 and Jaguar and go with component for the Wii and Game Cube. Although it would be nice to smooth out those Jag graphics a little. I do have the model with the digital out port (its model DOL-001 in case anyone is interested).

All this makes me a little pissed that the Wii isn't HD. I never cared as I figured I would never splurge on an HDTV, but now I am annoyed. If they release a Wii that does nothing different other than add HD I will be furious. That would be such a rip like coming out with the motion plus as an add on. I still haven't hooked mine up, because I am annoyed it will make the Wiimotes longer. I have a hunch that I have some pretty great games coming this Christmas so I should get on that.

[Mod_Man_Extreme]

I know they made some 3 in 1 one type component cords that say the work on the GCN and N64. I am curious myself if they will give a slight better picture, I know they won't give 480p, progressive scan, but would it at least look sharper than s-video or composite?

I know that all my Xbox, PS2, PS1, and GCN games all look better with component cables even if the game doesn't support progressive scan. Anybody ever use any of the cables that claim to be component N64/GCN cables and can give us some insight?

This is one like product

That cable won't work on the Gamecube's component cable connector. You'll just get a composite signal on the green component wire.

Unfortunately the only way to get any form of component at all from any Gamecube is to use the proprietary Nintendo cable.

[ChuChu Flamingo]

If you really want stuff to look their best you will have to mod the N64 and get a dedicated upscaler (XRGB or DVDO Edge). I went with DVDO Edge and it is very nice removing underscan, overscan, and reducing input lag to the lowest it can be on any given TV (it varies).


For comparison, here is how stuff looks on my 50'' through DVDO edge


Genesis Hooked up through RGB




SNES hooked up with S-video (currently working on getting a RGB cable)




Wii with component cables playing GC games
(I still need to get a GC component cable to play game boy games in 480p. I've seen picture comparisons of GC component vs Wii component, and GC component looks a tad better.)






Based on my experience, 240p stuff like SNES/Genesis works great on flat panels if it can recognize 240p. As far as 480i, that is when things don't work so well and the quality varies. If you decide to buy a S-video cable for the N64, go monster or nintendo. Almost all the other cables creates a mesh like screen because they do not use true s-video.