SNES Vertical Line Discussion

[D.D.D.]

I've seen this. Messing with your video cables or buying a different SNES or TV will never fix it.

It comes from "dirty power" out of the electrical outlet.

Usually, some device near your SNES is dumping noise in to the A/C outlet, and your SNES is picking it up. It could be a bad power strip or surge protector, if you're lucky. In my case, I can't have my SNES and my Game Doctor plugged into the same power strip. If I move them apart, they're fine. Hypothetically though, worst case scenario, there could be something wrong with the power in the whole house.

That my good chum, makes the most sense I've heard so far (more than chip revisions etc).

[Weekend_Warrior]

Yup my SNES has this! I had no idea this was a common issue

I usually only notice it during the black screens, never really see it during gameplay

[Ziggy]

I've seen this. Messing with your video cables or buying a different SNES or TV will never fix it.

It comes from "dirty power" out of the electrical outlet.

Usually, some device near your SNES is dumping noise in to the A/C outlet, and your SNES is picking it up. It could be a bad power strip or surge protector, if you're lucky. In my case, I can't have my SNES and my Game Doctor plugged into the same power strip. If I move them apart, they're fine. Hypothetically though, worst case scenario, there could be something wrong with the power in the whole house.

That my good chum, makes the most sense I've heard so far (more than chip revisions etc).

I agree, that makes perfect sense.

[NintendoLegend]

I have never had this issue before either. I have, and have had, many different revisions of the SNES. I've never even heard of this until now.

Yeah, this. I have actually learned new knowledge from this thread. Crazy.

[Jamisonia]

I've seen this. Messing with your video cables or buying a different SNES or TV will never fix it.

It comes from "dirty power" out of the electrical outlet.

Usually, some device near your SNES is dumping noise in to the A/C outlet, and your SNES is picking it up. It could be a bad power strip or surge protector, if you're lucky. In my case, I can't have my SNES and my Game Doctor plugged into the same power strip. If I move them apart, they're fine. Hypothetically though, worst case scenario, there could be something wrong with the power in the whole house.

That my good chum, makes the most sense I've heard so far (more than chip revisions etc).

I agree, that makes perfect sense.

Okay, I live in an apartment building, and it occurs in ever outlet I've tried so far. I might try plugging into an outlet directly without anything else near and see if that fixes it. If it is the whole house or apt, is there anyway for me to avoid the issue?

[Ziggy]

Maybe it could also be possible that wireless signals are messing with it. This can be an and/or situation with the "dirty" outlets. The SNES system itself is shielded, but the power adapter isn't. If you live in an apartment, I'm sure there's a TON of wireless signals (lots of routers, every one's cell phone, alarm clocks, etc).

Also, another thought just occurred to me. Are you guys using an official Nintendo power adapter or a third party? I've seen this problem first hand with a cheap Chinese power adapter on a model 1 Genesis (fucked up audio).

If it is the whole house or apt, is there anyway for me to avoid the issue?

IF that is the case, maybe a power conditioner would clean up the signal?

edit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_conditioner

[Jamisonia]

I'm only using official, and I have used different official ones on all consoles and had the same issue. I read about power conditioners, but they seem like they can get expensive.

[Croooow!]

With both SNESs I've had the issue with I was using official adapters as well. I might see if I can pick up another to see if that corrects the issue at all.

[irixith]

That's very weird. I've had a number of SNES over the years that I've used on a number of different TV. RF, composite, S-Video, never gotten this vertical line. Just luck of the draw?

Try yours again using Super Metroid for DKC in the Mine Cart Madness stage. Look for it when moving, and if you don't see it temporarily turn your brightness all the way up and see if you see it then.

I recently picked up an s-video modded SNES Mini from Ziggy, and no issue. I've read the whole thread, but let's just say Ziggy has the midas touch anyway.

[Croooow!]

I recently picked up an s-video modded SNES Mini from Ziggy, and no issue. I've read the whole thread, but let's just say Ziggy has the midas touch anyway.

Do I need to have him bless my SNES?