I wanna use the SCART but have no idea how

[stealsfromhobos]

I've been led to believe that using SCART cables for older consoles will make an image with better quality than S-video. My television (Sony KV-34HS420) only has Component, Composite, and HDMI so I suppose I have to convert it to component?

I'm really just asking what all do I need if I want to use the cable on this TV. I record Let's Plays and I'd like to be able to have the best quality recorded video.

Another question: Any recommendations for agood HDMI switch? This TV's only got one HDMI port and I have to juggle the one cable between four devices.

[TSTR]

You want this thing for your SCART needs.

Check out Monoprice for HDMI switchers.

[Ziggy]

You want this thing for your SCART needs.

I'm convinced that's the best RGB-to-Component transcoder in that price range. There's two important things worth noting about it though, which I just recently posted in another thread (literally minutes ago)...

http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 81#p912581

I've been led to believe that using SCART cables for older consoles will make an image with better quality than S-video.

Firstly, don't confuse what SCART actually is. SCART is just the connection type, the plug itself. Just like RCA is the type of plug for component cables. SCART isn't a video signal, just like RCA isn't. But the acronym has become synonymous with the RGB signal, probably because it's the most common connection type for RGB with us retro gamers. This is important to understand because a SCART cable doesn't have to carry an RGB signal. It can carry composite, and you definitely don't want that.

Also worth noting is the difference between PAL and JPN SCART cables. The Japanese equivalent is called RGB-21, the plug is identical to PAL SCART but it's wired a little different. You need to be aware of this when purchasing cables. You need to know what your device (like the above linked transcoder) inputs and buy the appropriate cabels for it. The transcoder linked above inputs PAL SCART.

Now, the RGB signal is absolutely better than S-Video. And component is suppose to be equivalent to RGB. However, don't expect to be blown away by how much better component will look compared to S-Video (I'm assuming you're using S-Video where possible). From my own findings, component hardly makes a difference over S-Video with 240p retro consoles.

Where using RGB will really benefit you is for the consoles that you can't get S-Video out of. Like the Genesis, for example. It doesn't output S-Video (unless you modify it to) and composite looks like absolute shit from it. In this case, using RGB would give you a drastic increase in quality.

Another question: Any recommendations for a good HDMI switch? This TV's only got one HDMI port and I have to juggle the one cable between four devices.

Get an AVR (A/V receiver). Examples:





Those are 5.1 surround receivers, but you don't have to use them as such. You can just output stereo audio (via RCA) to your TV, keep the receiver in stereo mode, and not have to use any additional speakers. At that point would just be a glorified AV switch, but you'd still gain all the other benefits of an AVR. Although, if you have the space and cash, I would highly suggest getting at least two decent speakers and using it as a 2.0 setup (still in stereo mode, but using decent speakers instead of the crappy ones built into the TV). You can usually get decent floor standing speakers for cheap off Craigslist, garage sales, and sometimes thrift stores. I have an Onkyo with 6 HDMI inputs and I love it.

[Ziggy]

I'm really just asking what all do I need if I want to use the cable on this TV. I record Let's Plays and I'd like to be able to have the best quality recorded video.

Recording the Let's Plays is another matter. What are you currently using to record video?

[stealsfromhobos]

Thanks Ziggy, that was a really informative and helpful post.

What I'm using to record is an Elgato Game Capture HD.

[Ziggy]

OK, so that thing inputs HDMI and comes with an adapter to input component. It also looks like you can purchase a separate adapter to input composite and S-Video.

https://www.elgato.com/en/online-store (scroll down a little)

So you can input S-Video with it, and if you really wanted to, component via a RGB-to-component transcoder.

[Ziggy]

I'll also clue you in to the XRGB units. The current version is the XRGB "mini" Framemeister. They're made in Japan and not officially sold outside of Japan, although it's easy to get one. They sell new on eBay for $300-400, but if you hunt you can get one used for $200-300. They might seem expensive, but they upscale 240p content amazingly. With an XRGB, you could input RGB from a retro console, output it as HDMI (480, 720 or 1080p), then just input HDMI to your capture device. When upscaling is needed, the picture quality from them is absolutely amazing.

[stealsfromhobos]

Alright, thanks for the info. I knew about the composite adapter for the Elgato but wanted to know if there'd be any real quality difference between that and RGB SCART in the recorded videos.

[Ziggy]

Alright, thanks for the info. I knew about the composite adapter for the Elgato but wanted to know if there'd be any real quality difference between that and RGB SCART in the recorded videos.

Just to make it clear... Going from composite to RGB or component will give you a HUGE boost in video quality. However, if you're taking RGB from a console, transcoding it to component, capturing it with the Elgato... You might not notice a huge difference in quality between that and S-Video. The S-Video adapter for the Elgato is cheap, you might want to try that out first and see if the quality is "good enough" for you.

[stealsfromhobos]

Alright, I guess I'll go with the S-video adapter.