Desperately need advice for playing old consoles on an HDTV

[vicviperpilot001]

First off, I'm sorry if this has been asked a hundred times or if there's some big obvious thread I'm missing that tells me how to solve my problem, but here goes...

I have so many old game consoles that my library of games is like 99% old and 1% newer stuff... the only modern console I have is a PS3 and I only have 2 games for it, whereas I have about 320 older games.

The standard definition TV I use to play all my games is slowly but surely failing. An easy solution would be to just get another SD TV somewhere, but I'm kind of being forced by my family to get a new HDTV, which as everyone knows will MURDER the picture quality of any old game you try to play on it. To make matters worse, my understanding of different cables, hookups, video signals and terms is painfully basic at BEST. I'm finding it very hard to get help that I can make sense of. I don't know what to do, or even where to begin with trying to fix this problem. I LOVE my older games and don't want to get rid of them.

The only thing I've been able to ascertain from Google searches is that Component-to-HDMI or Component-to-VGA boxes can at least make 8 to 16 bit Consoles look semi-decent... but what about 32 bit consoles, or PS2 and Gamecube Games? I use red white and yellow component cables to hook up all my consoles.

Can somebody please point this EXTREMELY nervous, non-tech-savvy old-school gamer in the right direction? I'm in desperate need of advice on what I should do or buy to at least make my old games look passable on an HDTV.

[Valkyrie-Favor]

For 6th-gen consoles, you want component cables. Gamecube component cables are expensive, so use a wii or settle for s-video.

For N64, use s-video.

For NES, you are stuck with composite. If that isn't good enough for you, use a PC with an emulator.

For everything else, use rgb. You can get rgb to component converters pretty cheap. Make sure you get an HDTV that supports 240p over component. Vizio is usually good about that.

[KDub]

If you're looking for it to be the best quality it can you'll have to mod most retro systems and/or get an upconverter.

[Thierry Henry]

I was big on the RGB SCART to Component route,

used to hook up my stuff using this,



But now I've changed to RGB SCART to HDMI,

I get even "cleaner" visuals this way.

I see this reviewer on YT has followed the same path as I have,

Worth a look,

[Zing]

I'm curious how your family is forcing you to get an HDTV. Do they realize that you could get a great CRT from Craigslist/Kijiji for $50 or less?

[CRTGAMER]

I'm curious how your family is forcing you to get an HDTV. Do they realize that you could get a great CRT from Craigslist/Kijiji for $50 or less?

Even the Thrift stores have great deals. Maybe get a HD CRT so you can gain the benifits of HD and still maintain a decent pic for the retro consoles. Keep in mind a HD Tube is a lot heavier compared to a same sized non HD tube. One thing I really like about CRTs is the bright pic at any view angle, something to consider. Some of the LED screens have improved over older LCDs and have a good angle view range.

The biggest fail on modern HDTVs is the loss of SVideo, this can also be a big factor for some of your Retro consoles.

The only thing I've been able to ascertain from Google searches is that Component-to-HDMI or Component-to-VGA boxes can at least make 8 to 16 bit Consoles look semi-decent... but what about 32 bit consoles, or PS2 and Gamecube Games? I use red white and yellow component cables to hook up all my consoles.

I think you meant composite. As mentioned by Valkyrie, some of your consoles certainly can gain from a better connection such as SVideo or Component. Some upscaler boxes can give poor results, maybe do the research before going that route. For instance you will not need a Component to HDMI, most HDTVs have both inputs already available. However, Component and Composite tend to be a shared input on new HDTVs, this can be fixed with external video switchboxes. No need for the VGA conversion either since the TV will already have Composite, Component and HDMI. SVideo will be the main snag if you go with a new HDTV.

Another benefit of older HD CRTs, All the different connections including SVideo!

[ninjainspandex]

most HDTV's now days don't even have component video ports, just a bunch of HDMI ports. My advice is to get an XRGB-mini, they aren't cheap at around $350 but totally worth it.

NES on the XRGB-mini with scanlines


Capcom vs SNK 2 ps2 via component with Scanlines


N64 Paper Mario via Scart RGB with scanlines

[vicviperpilot001]

I'm curious how your family is forcing you to get an HDTV. Do they realize that you could get a great CRT from Craigslist/Kijiji for $50 or less?

I've tried to explain this to them, and also how older games look like crap on an HDTV... but they're making a pretty big deal about not wanting another big bulky TV. Pretty annoying, considering it'd be going in MY ROOM, and my brother who I share the room with never even watches TV.

[vicviperpilot001]

most HDTV's now days don't even have component video ports, just a bunch of HDMI ports. My advice is to get an XRGB-mini, they aren't cheap at around $350 but totally worth it.

Whoa! That looks downright awesome! I can't afford one of those now, but I know I'll definitely be saving up for one!

[vicviperpilot001]

For 6th-gen consoles, you want component cables. Gamecube component cables are expensive, so use a wii or settle for s-video.

For N64, use s-video.

For NES, you are stuck with composite. If that isn't good enough for you, use a PC with an emulator.

For everything else, use rgb. You can get rgb to component converters pretty cheap. Make sure you get an HDTV that supports 240p over component. Vizio is usually good about that.

Alright, thanks I'll try these. Luckily, Theres a Vizio HDTV in my living room, so I'll be able to test all these suggestions out before actually getting a new TV myself.