XRGB-mini Framemeister

[arovane]

I still didn't understand the whole point of using VGA box + UMSA + RGB mini instead of just SCART to Mini

on low-res 2D games it doesn't matter, but once you run a native hi-res game, true 480p is always superior to deinterlaced 480i.

As long as your VGA box is set to PC you should get 480p - period. Your Mini really shows 480i in the input status screen ?

Yes it does. Checked several times... That's why I don't understand.

[darcagn]

I still didn't understand the whole point of using VGA box + UMSA + RGB mini instead of just SCART to Mini

on low-res 2D games it doesn't matter, but once you run a native hi-res game, true 480p is always superior to deinterlaced 480i.

As long as your VGA box is set to PC you should get 480p - period. Your Mini really shows 480i in the input status screen ?

Yes it does. Checked several times... That's why I don't understand.

Something has to be wrong with your VGA box, or you need to double-check your setup. If your VGA box is set to PC mode (and if you were to have one, the 15/31KHz switch is set to 31KHz), you will get 640x480p input listed on the XRGB-mini status screen. If your VGA box doesn't have the 31KHz switch, then it is definitely already 31KHz as that is what regular VGA signals are. Try just from the BIOS, don't bother with loading a game.

[arovane]

Something has to be wrong with your VGA box, or you need to double-check your setup. If your VGA box is set to PC mode (and if you were to have one, the 15/31KHz switch is set to 31KHz), you will get 640x480p input listed on the XRGB-mini status screen. If your VGA box doesn't have the 31KHz switch, then it is definitely already 31KHz as that is what regular VGA signals are. Try just from the BIOS, don't bother with loading a game.

Very weird!

I've tried with another Dreamcast and it is 480p!!! The one that displayed 480i is a japanese Biohazard edition (pink one), the one that display 480p is a European one... Explanation anyone? I of course would like to use the japanese one

I've tried to use the Japanese Dreamcast with the VGA box on a PC monitor and it just doesn't work... But it works with the European one without problem.
Is it my Japanese console that is not VGA compatible? Or is it my VGA box that is not compatible with Japanese Dreamcast?

I was not aware of this before I have to admit..

[darcagn]

Something has to be wrong with your VGA box, or you need to double-check your setup. If your VGA box is set to PC mode (and if you were to have one, the 15/31KHz switch is set to 31KHz), you will get 640x480p input listed on the XRGB-mini status screen. If your VGA box doesn't have the 31KHz switch, then it is definitely already 31KHz as that is what regular VGA signals are. Try just from the BIOS, don't bother with loading a game.

Very weird!

I've tried with another Dreamcast and it is 480p!!! The one that displayed 480i is a japanese Biohazard edition (pink one), the one that display 480p is a European one... Explanation anyone? I of course would like to use the japanese one

The correct mode is set based on the pins on the A/V port. If PC mode is set on the VGA box, then the VGA box would be grounding both pins 6 and 7. Make sure the VGA box is plugged in very securely and that there's no dust or problems with the contacts on both the male and female connectors.

The region and edition of the Dreamcast shouldn't matter at all.

I've tried to use the Japanese Dreamcast with the VGA box on a PC monitor and it just doesn't work... But it works with the European one without problem.
Is it my Japanese console that is not VGA compatible? Or is it my VGA box that is not compatible with Japanese Dreamcast?

I was not aware of this before I have to admit..

It sounds like pin 7 is not getting grounded for some reason. That's really weird...

I have a Japanese Dreamcast as well as about 6 or 7 US Dreamcasts and they all work fine with VGA mode, there is no version of the Dreamcast in existence that does not do VGA mode.

[arovane]

Very weird!

I've tried with another Dreamcast and it is 480p!!! The one that displayed 480i is a japanese Biohazard edition (pink one), the one that display 480p is a European one... Explanation anyone? I of course would like to use the japanese one

The correct mode is set based on the pins on the A/V port. If PC mode is set on the VGA box, then the VGA box would be grounding both pins 6 and 7. Make sure the VGA box is plugged in very securely and that there's no dust or problems with the contacts on both the male and female connectors.

The region and edition of the Dreamcast shouldn't matter at all.

Well I've tried everything you said, but the Jap dreamcast still display 480i with VGA box + UMSA... And doesn't work with just VGA box on regular pc monitor.
The Euro dreamcast on the other hand display 480p with the same configuration.
I don't understand. Maybe my Jap Dreamcast is somehow broken, that's the only thing I can think of right now.

[Vault94]

Hey chaps, bought a Gamecube and I was wondering what would be the best for this, would I be better off using the AV lead with the gamecube to the AV in on the xRGB mini http://www.knightdiscounts.com/VideoGam ... vcable.jpg (oh, and are those Red, yellow and white ends RGB?)

Or would I get a better picture buying a Gamecube -> RGB scart then using it to a female scart to 8 pin?

And would the best of these options give me a better picture than using one of those $100 component cables for the Gamecube?

Thanks

- Matt

[blizzz]

The 3 RCA plugs are composite video (yellow) and analogue audio (red and white). It basically looks like crap. Don't ever think about using it unless you really have no other choice, and you do have other choices for basically all consoles!.

An RGB SCART cable combined with a Euro SCART adapter (not the included JP21 adapter) will give you good picture quality, but you're limited to 480i interlaced video. For progressive video you have to get one of the rare and expensive component cables.

[pyrotek85]

And if you do decide to get a Gamecube component cable, you might want to start looking sooner rather than later IMO, as the prices seem to be climbing.

[blizzz]

One thing to keep in mind is that the PAL Gamecube doesn't offer progressive output (unless you're using mods).

PAL Gamecube

• offers RGB Scart output
• no S-Video output
• games don't support progressive output

NTSC Gamecube

• offers S-Video output
• no RGB Scart output
• most games support progressive output

[pyrotek85]

One thing to keep in mind is that the PAL Gamecube doesn't offer progressive output (unless you're using mods).

PAL Gamecube

• offers RGB Scart output
• no S-Video output
• games don't support progressive output

NTSC Gamecube

• offers S-Video output
• no RGB Scart output
• most games support progressive output

If I were in his position I'd probably just get NTSC then, assuming he doesn't already have a library of games.

[Vault94]

I've bought a PAL gamecube as I live in the UK, it would be better than getting an NSTC console as I would have to import all the games.

Is there much difference between component and rgb with a gamecube?

Thanks

[Vault94]

One thing to keep in mind is that the PAL Gamecube doesn't offer progressive output (unless you're using mods).

PAL Gamecube

• offers RGB Scart output
• no S-Video output
• games don't support progressive output

NTSC Gamecube

• offers S-Video output
• no RGB Scart output
• most games support progressive output

If my PAL Gamecube still has an digital av output can't it still use the component lead and still output 480p progressive?

[pyrotek85]

One thing to keep in mind is that the PAL Gamecube doesn't offer progressive output (unless you're using mods).

PAL Gamecube

• offers RGB Scart output
• no S-Video output
• games don't support progressive output

NTSC Gamecube

• offers S-Video output
• no RGB Scart output
• most games support progressive output

If my PAL Gamecube still has an digital av output can't it still use the component lead and still output 480p progressive?

I'd wait for confirmation of course, but it might be that the PAL versions of the software might not allow 480p.

[blizzz]

If my PAL Gamecube still has an digital av output can't it still use the component lead and still output 480p progressive?

Theoretically yes, but the games don't offer this mode. On NTSC versions you can choose between 480i and 480p before you start the game. On PAL games you get to choose between 576i (50Hz) and 480i (60Hz). You would need some kind of bootloader that changes the video mode. You can find a bit more info here. You can also force progressive output for Gamecube games on the Wii, but the compatibility is even lower.

[Vault94]

If my PAL Gamecube still has an digital av output can't it still use the component lead and still output 480p progressive?

Theoretically yes, but the games don't offer this mode. On NTSC versions you can choose between 480i and 480p before you start the game. On PAL games you get to choose between 576i (50Hz) and 480i (60Hz). You would need some kind of bootloader that changes the video mode. You can find a bit more info here. You can also force progressive output for Gamecube games on the Wii, but the compatibility is even lower.

Is there much difference between 480i and 480p?

[arovane]

Is there only a way to play Street Fighter 2X on Dreamcast using the XRGB mini?? doesn't seem so, the game is not compatible with RGB and using VGA box + UMSA you still have to go through RGB... I've tried several possibilities and it seems the only way is through VGA box directly to VGA compatible monitors. The mini won't let the game pass. But if someone has an idea please let me know!

[darcagn]

Is there only a way to play Street Fighter 2X on Dreamcast using the XRGB mini?? doesn't seem so, the game is not compatible with RGB and using VGA box + UMSA you still have to go through RGB... I've tried several possibilities and it seems the only way is through VGA box directly to VGA compatible monitors. The mini won't let the game pass. But if someone has an idea please let me know!

If you are using a VGA box through the UMSA, the Dreamcast doesn't know this. There is no way for the mini to stop the game from passing.

If it works with a VGA monitor, it will work with VGA->UMSA->XRGB-mini.

[Fudoh]

except with your Biohazard DC.

[arovane]

except with your Biohazard DC.

Hi Fudoh, why do you say that? Is it a known fact that biohazard DC won't work in VGA?
Will the Hanzo fix this? I'm very interested in buying one from you, thanks for the offer.

[Fudoh]

no, you said so. Has to be an issue with the port. As suggested before the neccessary pins on the AV probably don't get shorted when you connect the VGA box.

I've had almost every DC version in the past and never had an issue using a VGA box.

The Hanzo won't solve the problem on your Biohazard DC. The difference between the Hanzo and your VGA box is that the Hanzo can be used to play RGB-only games (like Bangaioh) without disconnecting the VGA box.

[arovane]

no, you said so. Has to be an issue with the port. As suggested before the neccessary pins on the AV probably don't get shorted when you connect the VGA box.

I've had almost every DC version in the past and never had an issue using a VGA box.

The Hanzo won't solve the problem on your Biohazard DC. The difference between the Hanzo and your VGA box is that the Hanzo can be used to play RGB-only games (like Bangaioh) without disconnecting the VGA box.

Yeah well I'm not sure anymore... The DC outputs in 240p now, when using VGA+UMSA, when an hour ago it was 480i... doesn't make any sense. Starting to think that it might be my VGA box that is screwed.

[Fudoh]

240p vs. 480i depends on the game. Both are 15khz and mean that the VGA box just fails to bridge the two pins to tell the DC to output in 31khz instead.

[austin532]

If my PAL Gamecube still has an digital av output can't it still use the component lead and still output 480p progressive?

Theoretically yes, but the games don't offer this mode. On NTSC versions you can choose between 480i and 480p before you start the game. On PAL games you get to choose between 576i (50Hz) and 480i (60Hz). You would need some kind of bootloader that changes the video mode. You can find a bit more info here. You can also force progressive output for Gamecube games on the Wii, but the compatibility is even lower.

Is there much difference between 480i and 480p?

Yes, there is quite a noticeable difference just don't expect HD results. Whether or not they are worth the high asking price is questionable. If you have or plan to buy a bunch of games that support 480p and if you can get the cables for the right price I'd say definitely pick them up.

[pyrotek85]

That's why I mentioned getting an NTSC machine, it wasn't a rarely used feature. Quite a number of titles supported 480p, some also had widescreen support as well. Of course if importing is expensive then the cost would be a big factor.

[Konsolkongen]

Probably easier and cheaper to find an early PAL GameCube that has the Digital Out-port, and install a modchip so you can run US and JAP games. Works flawlessly with 480p, and with a PAL console, you still have the option to use RGB

The modchip I have installed is a Qoob Pro. It has the option to force games to run in 480p. Sounds great, but just don't expect it to work that well. I think it works with one or two of my games. The rest either doesn't start at all or have messed up graphics.

[Thomago]

I know modchips ar a bit more convenient, but why not just use a Freeloader disc? You can get them for around €13.00 new on ebay. 480p with US and JP games works flawlessly of course.

[airs]

Is there only a way to play Street Fighter 2X on Dreamcast using the XRGB mini?? doesn't seem so, the game is not compatible with RGB and using VGA box + UMSA you still have to go through RGB... I've tried several possibilities and it seems the only way is through VGA box directly to VGA compatible monitors. The mini won't let the game pass. But if someone has an idea please let me know!

Works great for me with Hanzo + Kenzei:

[arovane]

Works great for me with Hanzo + Kenzei:

This is awesome

[EvilAsh]

You can get scanlines to appear by setting the input signal to 240 or 480 through HDMI or D-Terminal. If you want scanlines through HDMI you need to turn off the HDMI Direct Passthrough in the Options.

I thought I did this and just attempted again since I saw you post. It's still won't produce scan lines. Meister Mode is also on. The wii (when connected with component or HDMI) will only output 480i or 480p signal. I was hoping I could change it to 240p but unfortunately it isn't an option. I think I've tried everything. I just ordered the component to d terminal from solaris so hopefully that will get me the scanlines when I use emulators.

Not sure about the HDMI adapter, but scanlines do work with Component through D-Terminal. Just make sure you have your settings right. Set your Wii to 480i, then go into the video settings of the emulator and choose 'original' for rendering and 'automatic' for video mode. When entering or exiting the emulator's menu, you will experience video drops, as the mini has to resync because of the input signal change from 480i to 240p and vice versa.

I just got the cables today. Any reason why I should set the Wii's output to 480i & not 480p?

[evil_ash_xero]

People are gonna mix us up.