So, I love my Sega Genesis/CD/32X, but hate the composite video quality. I've been reading online about how RGB video via a SCART cable and SCART-to-component converter. I like to think I know more about video connections than most folks, but I know almost nothing about SCART, so I have some questions.
Would there be any problem with hooking up a European SCART cable to my American console? AFAIK, SCART was never really used in America, and I don't know if it's designed to work with NTSC devices. I've read online that some people have used this for their Genesis, but what about more recent consoles? It looks like getting a SCART cable for Gamecube would be a lot cheaper than trying to get an official component cable.
How does the quality of SCART compare to component? I know they're different signals, but would it make sense to get a SCART cable for my PS2 instead of component? (I'm currently using S-video, but would like to upgrade at some point.)
Entering the world of RGB? Questions about SCART!
Re: Entering the world of RGB? Questions about SCART!
A european scart cable will work fine on your US system, but the rule is different depending on which system you're using. More on that in a bit.
You'll need the Scart to component converter, as you mentioned. Here's the one that I use, and it works perfectly.
http://www.amazon.com/SCART-Component- ... 531&sr=8-1
One thing to look out for when buying scart cables, be certain they are wired for RGB. Scart cables carry both composite signals and RGB, but they look the same.
About the converter above, you'll notice it does not have any jacks for audio. You'll have to draw the audio another way. The good thing is that Scart cables also carry audio, so if you find an RGB enabled Scart switcher with audio jacks, you'll be in good shape. Again, here is the one I use:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCART-Splitter ... 588f9f3982
RGB looks stellar, and you'll see a gigantic improvement over composite. As for how it compares to component, it looks good, but remember that RGB is not High Definition. It will not increase the resolution, just color and clarity.
One very important detail for older consoles is that they only put out a resolution of 240p. A lot of newer tvs simply won't accept this signal over a component input. You're welcome to give it a shot and see how your tv reacts, but if you've got an older CRT that has component inputs, you should use it, it'll be more likely to work.
In the specific cases you mentioned, feel free to just get a component cable for your PS2, its simply easier for you to get a hold of.
As for the Gamecube, Nintendo is a bit obnoxious about this. The US Gamecube does not output RGB at all, (similarly, the PAL Gamecube does not output S-video) so you simply can't get a Scart cable for it. Unless you've got the big bucks to drop on a component cable, S-video is your best option.
The Genesis and its add ons are probably the easiest to deal with for this subject, and you can get some good Scart RGB cables (one that can be shared between the Master System and Model 1 Genesis, and another that can be shared between the 32x and Model 2 Genesis) from this ebay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/retroaccessories
I hope that all helps.
You'll need the Scart to component converter, as you mentioned. Here's the one that I use, and it works perfectly.
http://www.amazon.com/SCART-Component- ... 531&sr=8-1
One thing to look out for when buying scart cables, be certain they are wired for RGB. Scart cables carry both composite signals and RGB, but they look the same.
About the converter above, you'll notice it does not have any jacks for audio. You'll have to draw the audio another way. The good thing is that Scart cables also carry audio, so if you find an RGB enabled Scart switcher with audio jacks, you'll be in good shape. Again, here is the one I use:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/SCART-Splitter ... 588f9f3982
RGB looks stellar, and you'll see a gigantic improvement over composite. As for how it compares to component, it looks good, but remember that RGB is not High Definition. It will not increase the resolution, just color and clarity.
One very important detail for older consoles is that they only put out a resolution of 240p. A lot of newer tvs simply won't accept this signal over a component input. You're welcome to give it a shot and see how your tv reacts, but if you've got an older CRT that has component inputs, you should use it, it'll be more likely to work.
In the specific cases you mentioned, feel free to just get a component cable for your PS2, its simply easier for you to get a hold of.
As for the Gamecube, Nintendo is a bit obnoxious about this. The US Gamecube does not output RGB at all, (similarly, the PAL Gamecube does not output S-video) so you simply can't get a Scart cable for it. Unless you've got the big bucks to drop on a component cable, S-video is your best option.
The Genesis and its add ons are probably the easiest to deal with for this subject, and you can get some good Scart RGB cables (one that can be shared between the Master System and Model 1 Genesis, and another that can be shared between the 32x and Model 2 Genesis) from this ebay store:
http://stores.ebay.com/retroaccessories
I hope that all helps.
GameSack wrote:That's right, only Sega had the skill to make a proper Nintendo game.
Re: Entering the world of RGB? Questions about SCART!
No, just use component cables on your PS2. You'll just be converting the SCART back to component anyway, so what would the point of that be?Nemoide wrote:How does the quality of SCART compare to component? I know they're different signals, but would it make sense to get a SCART cable for my PS2 instead of component? (I'm currently using S-video, but would like to upgrade at some point.)
From what I've read RGB SCART is slightly better than component. But again, it wouldn't make sense to use a SCART cables with your PS2 when you can just use a component cable without the adapter.
Re: Entering the world of RGB? Questions about SCART!
Thanks for the info! I'll just be trying this for my Genesis then. The sound is a non-issue since I already use my Sega CD for audio output.
Re: Entering the world of RGB? Questions about SCART!
IIRC a NTSC-U GameCube can't output RGB through SCART.Nemoide wrote: Would there be any problem with hooking up a European SCART cable to my American console? AFAIK, SCART was never really used in America, and I don't know if it's designed to work with NTSC devices. I've read online that some people have used this for their Genesis, but what about more recent consoles? It looks like getting a SCART cable for Gamecube would be a lot cheaper than trying to get an official component cable.
Usually the picture quality is pretty similar.Nemoide wrote: How does the quality of SCART compare to component? I know they're different signals, but would it make sense to get a SCART cable for my PS2 instead of component? (I'm currently using S-video, but would like to upgrade at some point.)
The main advantage component has over SCART is the ability to output progressive signal.