TurboGrafx 16 Questions??

[marurun]

I like to opt for both. Emulation is great, and so is the original!

[Jagosaurus]

You say that but the RF out of a TG16 is not bad. For an RF signal it's actually pretty good.

It is better than composite output on most Genesis.

Nice. Yeah, one of the later model 2 Genesis I had, the composite video quality was very poor. My model 1 Genesis is very clear via composite. Good to hear the TG16 has a clearer RF picture than say... the Jaguar (which has a GREAT composite pic but terrible RF). The TG16 AV mod seems less involved and less expensive than other consoles though.

[Xboxsegafan187]

Outside of a Modded Output Signal Mod to a TG-16/PC Engine console the best quality Composite signal would go to the Laseactive PC Engine/ TG-16 PAC. The scanlines seem less jittery and the signal is much cleaner than a Turbo Booster and or TG-16 CD add on and Turbo Duo. However as for sound I really don't see much of an audio clarity boost in the signal as there is a common myth that the Laseractive has a toslink/ optical out.

The truth of the matter is that the output is only accessible via Laser Disc Movies that has AC3 and or Dolby Digital soundtrack from my own experiences. Even the Laseractive games do not access the optical out signal and is only out putted as analog. When it comes to games both Sega and NEC pacs only pass their signal via the Red and White Analog wires no optical signal. However a system Mod might yield use of the optical signal but alas I do not have a spare Laseractive to Mod to test this theory .

[valthonis]

Sorry to resurrect the thread but it seemed fitting.

For importing PC-Engines which is a better option.
Turbo Duo or CoreGrafx II + Super CD2

I can get either locally for about $200, both are tested and working well, but I know the Duo has not had any caps replaced.

[Hobie-wan]

With the Duo you can play US cards and all CD games regardless of region except for Arcade ones with no extra bits. With the Core/CD you'll be able to play J cards and then it will depend on what system card comes with it. With the system 2 card you can play regular CD games of any region . With the System 3 card you can play CD games up to Arcade ones from any region. To play Arcade CD games you'd need the Arcade Duo card and modding or an adapter for the US Duo, or an Arcade Pro card for the Core/CD.

[valthonis]

With the Duo you can play US cards and all CD games regardless of region except for Arcade ones with no extra bits. With the Core/CD you'll be able to play J cards and then it will depend on what system card comes with it. With the system 2 card you can play regular CD games of any region . With the System 3 card you can play CD games up to Arcade ones from any region. To play Arcade CD games you'd need the Arcade Duo card and modding or an adapter for the US Duo, or an Arcade Pro card for the Core/CD.

The Duo (even Japan PC-Engine) is region free?

My understanding was the Super CD2 had the 3.0 Japan card built in as well.

Should I be concerned about the caps on the Duo? Still new to the Turbo scene, but what I've read the caps can be a problem.

Thanks again for all the help.

[Hobie-wan]

The CD games are region free, the cards are not.

[KalessinDB]

The Duo (even Japan PC-Engine) is region free?

My understanding was the Super CD2 had the 3.0 Japan card built in as well.

Should I be concerned about the caps on the Duo? Still new to the Turbo scene, but what I've read the caps can be a problem.

Thanks again for all the help.

Like Hobie said, Duo is CD region free, not card. There's a variety of region mods for cards, not terribly expensive or even that difficult if you're good with a soldering iron.

Caps can be a problem like they can be on any old system. Not as bad as say, a Game Gear (worst system I've found for caps), but there. Bigger problem with any of the TG/PCE CD drives is the middle gear drying up and/or getting stripped. There's a ton of knowledgeable people on pcenginefx.com forums that are more than happy to share knowledge and/or do the work for you (I had my TGCD refurbed by KeithCourage and was very happy with the work).

[BoneSnapDeez]

(I had my TGCD refurbed by KeithCourage and was very happy with the work).

Holy shit they got Keith Courage himself to refurbish TurboGrafx systems??

[marurun]

The PC Engine Duo is more compact, but the PC Engine w/ Super CD-ROM attachment might have slightly better longevity. The early Duo models were notorious for needing caps replaced. Then again, the SuperCD unit may need a lens or gear replacement. Duo's also may reach the point where they need a new lens unit. Remember, this hardware is, at this point, over 20 years old.

Quite frankly, if you are patient, you may be able to find an original model Duo with a cap replacement and region mod for about $200 - $250, especially if you are lurking in the pcenginefx.com forums. A couple members there regularly refurbish and turn over spare units.

Do be wary that while CDs have no copy protection, most PC Engine CD hardware is reluctant when dealing with CD-R media. Pay for the best media you can to avoid having the system hang during data loads.