What is the best Sega genesis video set up?

[Toonami2112]

I Was planning on doing an s video mod for a sega genesis model 1 but have heard scart is even better. Since I am in the us though there are basically no tvs with that input. I have also heard rgb might be better? I think I would rather buy a specific monitor for it than an upscaler. What would you recommend ?

[BoringSupreez]

I Was planning on doing an s video mod for a sega genesis model 1 but have heard scart is even better. Since I am in the us though there are basically no tvs with that input. I have also heard rgb might be better? I think I would rather buy a specific monitor for it than an upscaler. What would you recommend ?

S-video is the best the average person can hope for from a Genesis. It's a relatively cheap, commonly performed mod. Don't even bother with SCART if you don't live in Europe. And RGB is best as you heard, but like you said you'll need to get your hands on a monitor.

[Cronozilla]

Well, you can get a Genesis RGB SCART cable and a hardware upscaler to go with it. It produces a much better picture than S-Video, that's for sure.

I was just looking at this stuff yesterday.

One of those cables (they do make them for a model 2 also ... as well as many other consoles)
http://www.retrogamingcables.com/sega-g ... ive-1.html

An upscaler will be cheaper than a proper monitor. This upscaler, or something like it:

And it'll work on your HDTV. If you want CRT TV with RGB there's lots of options for that as well. Keep in mind a monitor will require a voltage change, SCART is lower sync (I believe) voltage.

Keep in mind, with the upscaler, you will lose dithering. I'm not sure if its lost because of RGB or because of the upscaler, exactly.

Here's some videos of that cable by it self and the cable with an upscaler like that one:
Straight cable


Cable with upscaler


This is probably the best you can do without modding the system.

[Toonami2112]

Yeah I think I would rather go the monitor way, I just don't know where to start with it. I have heard sony pvm'a area really good and wouldn't mind spending the extra to get a good set up. I am just confused as to of you use rgb or scart with the monitors and it doesn't seem like there are any good guides about it.

[Cronozilla]

If you're already set on a Sony PVM you just get that and an adapter. The signal needs no conversion from SCART. It just needs a connection adapter.

http://www.retrogamingcables.com/sony-p ... r-bnc.html

But consider that the monitor only goes up to 19" or so if you want accurate quality, and they can go from $100-$400 depending on the size (usually 8" to 19"). Also keep in mind, they've all been extensively used in broadcasting.

You can also use a converter box (like you'd use for an arcade board) and adapt it for VGA. Then you'd be able to use any Monitor. But that's not a great solution.

The last alternative is just finding an RGB monitor of some kind. The Sony PVMs are nice, but they're expensive. There were other RGB compatible monitors.

[Mad_Hatter]

I Was planning on doing an s video mod for a sega genesis model 1 but have heard scart is even better. Since I am in the us though there are basically no tvs with that input. I have also heard rgb might be better? I think I would rather buy a specific monitor for it than an upscaler. What would you recommend ?

Option 1) If you are able to do an S-Video mod, I would do that and be done with it. S-Video on a TV like the Sony WEGA just looks amazing.

Option 2) You can buy a RGB SCART to Component Converter. You will need a converter, a SCART cable, and a set of component cables, which will cost you about 75 to 90 dollars. But it is not guaranteed to work. Lot of people have problems with this sort of set up, including me. On top of that, you need a AC adapter for the converter. It's just too much crap if you ask me.... If I was able to do an S-Video mod, I would have done that instead. Though, I will say that if you can get component to work, it does look amazing on a CRT SDTV with component.

The only RGB input you will find in the US are pretty much the Sony PVMs. And they come in small sizes (big ones are rare). And I believe you will have to buy a SCART to BNC breakout cable, or do it yourself.

http://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/male ... cable.html

EDIT: I will look into the Sony WEGA. You can find them cheap on craigslist, and even find some that are hardly used. Sony PVMs are likely to be used like crazy in their past.

[IrishNinja]

^glad someone corrected that; you totally don't need a monitor for RGB these days. it's worth the effort too, Genesis (and arguably NES) are the biggest jumps in quality on that level, for me...prolly due to the limited color palette.