Hooking Master System up to HD PVR?

[TheSegaSaturnGuy]

So I have a Hauppauge HD PVR and I want to connect my Sega Master System to it to record some game footage. The problem is that my PVR only has component inputs, S-Video, and standard RCA, no RF. I was wondering if there was an adapter that I could buy that would allow me to hook the master system up. Does anyone know of such a thing? I google it and all I get are RF mod boxes. Any methods would be appreciated as I want to avoid modding my system. Thanks!

[Ziggy]

Have you used the PVR to capture retro consoles before? I would be concerned about it accepting the low resolution, since it is an HD device and all. If you haven't already, I suggest using the composite output from another console (Genesis, NES, SNES) and see if it works first.

Other than that, sorry, I can't help you with converting RF back to composite. I'm not too familiar with the Master System and the various models, but I'm almost certain the original US model has the same AV output that the model 1 Genesis has. Thus, it has composite output. Does the Master System II only have RF output? And if so, I'm guessing that's the model you have?

If it has RF output only, I would suggesting modding it anyway. RF is just awful. It's not even so much the video quality, but the audio is horrible too. Getting it modified for composite AV would give you better video quality as well as much better audio quality. Better yet, I'm pretty sure it could be modified to output S-Video as well, which is even better.

[Sload Soap]

If you have a Master System 1, can't you use a RGB or scart cable? I have one for my Mega drive and the connection is the same I believe. Otherwise, you will have to mod your Master System if it is a master system 2. That or get a power base converter. Although that won't work with a Mega Drive 2.

I'm not a tech guy though.

[ApolloBoy]

If you have a Master System 1, can't you use a RGB or scart cable?

Not unless he has a SCART to component converter or an X-RGB mini. I don't think there's any capture devices sold here in the States that accept RGB, it has to be converted to either component or HDMI.

[Ziggy]

Ah, so the model 2 is indeed RF only?

Do you not want to mod the console because you're unable to? If you have a buddy that can solder, it's actually not hard at all. Otherwise, you might consider getting a model 1 Master System.

[TheSegaSaturnGuy]

Have you used the PVR to capture retro consoles before? I would be concerned about it accepting the low resolution, since it is an HD device and all. If you haven't already, I suggest using the composite output from another console (Genesis, NES, SNES) and see if it works first.

Other than that, sorry, I can't help you with converting RF back to composite. I'm not too familiar with the Master System and the various models, but I'm almost certain the original US model has the same AV output that the model 1 Genesis has. Thus, it has composite output. Does the Master System II only have RF output? And if so, I'm guessing that's the model you have?

If it has RF output only, I would suggesting modding it anyway. RF is just awful. It's not even so much the video quality, but the audio is horrible too. Getting it modified for composite AV would give you better video quality as well as much better audio quality. Better yet, I'm pretty sure it could be modified to output S-Video as well, which is even better.

I record all of my retro consoles with my PVR and it records them beautifully. I had a problem initially with horrible video stuttering but I was able to fix the problem by running all of the systems through my DVD/VCR combo first then to the PVR.

So am I SOL at this point?

[Sload Soap]

If you have a Master System 1, can't you use a RGB or scart cable?/quote]
Not unless he has a SCART to component converter or an X-RGB mini. I don't think there's any capture devices sold here in the States that accept RGB, it has to be converted to either component or HDMI.

Looks like he's modding then! The Model 2 is RF only and you won't be able to play 3D games either, without modding.

The Model 1 SMS uses the same power and video cables as the Model 1 Mega Drive. I'm reasonably sure you can get a composite cable for this model.

[theclaw]

Yeah the actual work isn't so bad. It's simply not cost effective after postage and labor to equal SMS 1.

[TheSegaSaturnGuy]

@Apolloboy I know you do, or used to do, mods. Did you do Master system av mods, if so how much did it cost? Would it be cheaper on me to just buy this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Coax- ... 1181864937

Because I don't mind hooking the system up through rf myself, I've done it since I was 8. I just want to be able to record the darn thing lol.

[ApolloBoy]

@Apolloboy I know you do, or used to do, mods. Did you do Master system av mods, if so how much did it cost?

Well what SMS model do you have? If it's the original you can try using an AV cable. But if it's an SMS II, you will indeed need to have it modded and I can provide that for you.