XRG-(x) vs. Scart > YUV vs. CRT TV

[P-Nation]

Hello!

I'm new to the forums here, but have been lurking for quite some time! I've read a lot of articles and really appreciate some of the dedication and intelligence I see here.

Anyways, onto my question!

I had recently pulled all of my retro consoles out of the closet and looked into the best-possible method for connecting them to my HDTV. The reviews were mixed, but my general concern was, 'How can I connect my Saturn, Dreamcast, and others to my HDTV'.

I heard of XRGB-3, but it is pricey. I hear this may have been the best option.

Buying a CRT Television is another option. Using my SCART to YUV transcoder, I can connect these systems up via SCART and utilize the component inputs for a great display.

Or, Purchase the SCART to YUV transcoder, a handful of SCART leads, a SCART switcher for ease-of-use and audio-out, and simply play on my HDTV.

I ended up doing the latter. I bought an eBay transcoder, a Saturn and Dreamcast SCART lead, and component cables. The image quality is good, but much to be desired.

The reason I had initally chosen SCART was that it seemed these cables were available for almost all retro systems, and since I was buying a splitter already for audio-out, it'd be easy to switch between consoles.

The image is nowhere near as sharp as I'd like it to be. Does anyone have any suggestions? I understand the Dreamcast is also VGA-capable, but due to a slight difference in PQ, I decided to go the way of SCART for reasons mentioned earlier. (convenience. Plus, I use my VGA input on my Samsung LN46C630 already for my PC)

So should I go and grab an old Trinitron CRT? Or muster-up the pain and buy an XRGB-3? (Can I sell the transcoder then?)

Or - will a SCART to HDMI converter box provide better results than my current SCART to YUV?

Thanks for your time. There is so much information out there regarding retro gaming, and I'm looking for the best-possible solution. Ideally using my HDTV instead of setting up an entirely new station just for retro gaming.

[Johnny]

The simple fact is that your TV, like most, does a crappy job in scaling the ~480i image you're supplying it with. You were right in purchasing SCART cables for the older consoles as they'll be needed whether you go the CRT route or invest in a proper scaler like the XRGB-3.

edit:
The HDMI converter won't make any real difference either.

[P-Nation]

The simple fact is that your TV, like most, does a crappy job in scaling the ~480i image you're supplying it with. You were right in purchasing SCART cables for the older consoles as they'll be needed whether you go the CRT route or invest in a proper scaler like the XRGB-3.

edit:
The HDMI converter won't make any real difference either.

SO I decided to pull my Grandmother's Sony Wega out of the closet. I'm wondering if using my SCART - YUV Converter will still be of use here. I imagine so, since it's still better than using an S-Video connection.

[Johnny]

That would be the ideal setup, yes. You should check out this site if you're still interested in using your HDTV. I find that you can get decent results with a simple CGA to VGA converter and SLG 3000, which will run you about $100USD.

[speedlolita]

One of the benefits of being in PAL land is that we have native SCART..

Tis beautiful.