Genesis Model 1 RGB/Component cable build?

[SuperDerek]

Hey guys,

I've seen people who have built their own RGB SCART cables for their Sega Genesis and Mega Drives, and a lot of people in the US in turn connect them to an RGB SCART to Component cables for use on American TVs. My question is if it's possible to just cut out the middleman (SCART Adapter) and just build a Genesis Component cable? And if so, why isn't there someone making a killing off these on eBay?

Thanks,

-Derek

[Ziggy]

You need the "SCART adapter middleman" to turn the RGB signal into a component signal, the Genesis does not output component video.

[SuperDerek]

Ok. I seem to have a misunderstanding of the difference between RGB and Component, I suppose. So a SCART adapter performs additional functions other than just adapting the plug itself. Would it be feasible to replicate those functions with parts from radioshack or is there a bit more to it than that?

Thanks

[Ziggy]

OK, RGB and YPbPr (component video) are two different video signals. Just like how S-Video and composite video are two different video signals. SCART is not a video signal, rather, it's a type of connection (like RCA for composite and component video). SCART can carry the RGB signal, but it can also carry other video signals as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SCART

When you say "SCART adapter," you're really talking about a video transcoder, converting one video signal to another video signal. Specifically in this case, converting RGB to YPbPr. This is not a simple thing to do, and Radio Shack wont help you.

But before you start to fall down this rabbit hole, let me save you some trouble. It might not be worth it. Are you actually looking to get component video from your Genesis, or was this just questions out of curiosity? Do you use your Genesis on a standard definition CRT TV, or an HDTV?

[theclaw]

As he's saying this is best used on an SD CRT. Nearest experience to retro RGB monitors you'll get from it.

HD sets are too hit and miss. Some even refuse to accept 240p from component.

[SuperDerek]

I've got both an HD TV and an CRT that accepts Component signals, (but not progressive scan,) so I'm confident that it'd work for me.

...But I don't think it'd be worth the hassle of ordering a bunch of special cables and a transcoder. Instead maybe I'll just get a 32x and perform an S-video mod on it. Thanks for the info, and for your input guys.

[theclaw]

It depends how future proof you want to get. A transcoder being external is a one-time purchase for pretty much anything the TV understands. Whether Neo Geo, Master System, Amiga, Jaguar...

[SuperDerek]

Well... Darn. Now I'm indecisive again. I know that I'll want to get an XRGB upscaler eventually in order to consolidate down to just one display, once I no longer feel the urge to play Duck Hunt.

[Ziggy]

Well... Darn. Now I'm indecisive again. I know that I'll want to get an XRGB upscaler eventually in order to consolidate down to just one display, once I no longer feel the urge to play Duck Hunt.

If that's your plan, then I suggest just not doing anything in the mean time until you get the XRGB. Anything else will just be a waste of money in the long run.

[SuperDerek]

Ok, thanks. Sounds good.