Need help making a CMVS play on my TV using Component.

[Rock Man]

Thing is the CMVS Neo Geo comes on using SCART RGB going through the XRGB-3 and outing VGA. But whenever I connect it to the Framemeister I get only sound. When I hook up the CMVS to Component raw I get a scrambled signal. Leads me to believe it only works on most standard Component enabled TVs and some HDTVs. Unfortunately my current HD set sucks for this mission. So now I'm looking into a go-between device where I can connect it to the Framemeister.

So it would go CMVS > Component > _____ > Frameister > HDMI > TV. Please fill in the blank what device might you guys consider viable for this endeavor? Need something that allows the Meister to interpret whatever the signal my TV gives off so I could get a picture. The console itself was bought from Analogue Interactive. If someone is familiar with Chris work and the way he does video maybe they can help. I contacted him and he doesn't know.

One more thing, yes I do got it hooked-up with SCART RGB. Love SCART RGB but Component just looks better on the MVS (I HAVE connected my CMVS to the XRGB-3 D-Terminal and it worked there... it's just... well you know how noisy the D-Terminal becomes on the 3)

[Ed Oscuro]

I can't follow your line of reasoning here. Did you press the INPUT button a few times (if it's like older XRGB 2 series sets, that should switch between the input types)?

The Analogue Interactive CMVS (if that's the one you're using) outputs RGB. Do you use RGB via SCART with that, and did you try to use the same cables for the Framemeister?

The Framemeister does support a YPbPr component signal. The XRGB-3 also supports component input. Both scalers are reportedly kind of bad with component input, though.

Assuming you have everything set up correctly, I think your choices are get a component cable for the D-terminal input on the Framemeister (ew), or get another RGB cable.

[SGGG2]

Component and scart RGB should basically look the same. Component information is derived from the RGB signal and is actually less acurate.

You could always waste some money and introduce a needless device or two in your image chain with a component to VGA transcoder and sync combiner. The mini only accepts RGBC, or c-sync, and standard VGA is RGBHV. Check out the XRGB-Mini thread to see what people are doing to connect Dreamcast via VGA.

EDIT: Missed the part where you said scart only supplies sound on the Framemeister. Sounds like the Mini doesn't like the cable. If the forum can't help you sort it out, you could always pay to have it repaired. Yes, you can add the transcoder but ideally you don't want to add devices to your image chain unless you have to.

[Rock Man]

Normally I would agree the picture looks better in SCART. It's just that SCART through my set... far as I know Chris cables are raw sync so there's nothing wrong with them. Likely my TV's fault. I do not witness this waviness in Component when connected in the XRGB-3. Instead what I find is TV noise a faint cloud plagues my screen. But this was a known problem on the XRGB-3 the faint cloud was recognize as a problem years ago. The Framemeister does not share that same weakness. There is no white cloud and guess what - the Meister helps kill that wavy interference too. I know this because it did it for my RGB Famicom which I got running through the Framemeister. (XRGB-3 I got waves like crazy)

Framemeister will take the CMVS in SCART. The sucky part about that is whenever I connect the CMVS from AI to the Frame a lla SCART, the picture is extremely weak. No where near the quality it appears on the XRGB-3. I theorize Component if understood through the Meister would born out better results. Make no mistake I've played the CMVS on the XRGB-3 for a year now and while the colors are great. Those lines aren't getting any prettier. They're extremely thick much thicker than they were on my RGB Famicom when it was connected to XRGB-3. That's why I want to try Component through the Mini, that's why I'm seeking a go-between device.

I can't follow your line of reasoning here. Did you press the INPUT button a few times (if it's like older XRGB 2 series sets, that should switch between the input types)?

The Analogue Interactive CMVS (if that's the one you're using) outputs RGB. Do you use RGB via SCART with that, and did you try to use the same cables for the Framemeister?

The Framemeister does support a YPbPr component signal. The XRGB-3 also supports component input. Both scalers are reportedly kind of bad with component input, though.

Assuming you have everything set up correctly, I think your choices are get a component cable for the D-terminal input on the Framemeister (ew), or get another RGB cable.

Yes to all. It's true both scalers aren't all that great when it comes to Component but make no mistake though. Framemeister kicks the XRGB-3's ass on Component video. I can tell from just comparing the results with Component on the PS2.

[Ed Oscuro]

It would be awfully helpful if you would actually describe each configuration, before listing what happens in that configuration.

The only other thing I would add for now is that you might also look into Framemeister updates.

[SGGG2]

Known issue.

Many (most?) consolized MVS will not work through the D-Terminal component input on the XRGB-mini.

Most likely the non standard/odd refresh rate of the Neo.

There is no fix for it. You have to use RGB (or composite or svideo).

Unsure if this is the case with the home system though.

Neo-Geo.com

[Rock Man]

Known issue.

Many (most?) consolized MVS will not work through the D-Terminal component input on the XRGB-mini.

Most likely the non standard/odd refresh rate of the Neo.

There is no fix for it. You have to use RGB (or composite or svideo).

Unsure if this is the case with the home system though.

Neo-Geo.com

Well, that blows.

It would be awfully helpful if you would actually describe each configuration, before listing what happens in that configuration.

The only other thing I would add for now is that you might also look into Framemeister updates.

For the XRGB-3 or Meister?

I tried as many options as I could when connected to both. On the XRGB-3 it's currently RGBC (tried RGBHV as well), AFC level is random (because I switch back and fourth using my shinybow SCART matrix switcher and other consoles), 75ohms not much else I could find that would garner a dramatic turn in the right direction. Did you need all of my settings or a few key settings because as far as I'm aware the above are the only ones that could make a difference. My firmware is V. 1.08.

Still if you believe there is a setting I didn't check off I'm open to suggestion. Also appreciate your input guys.

[SGGG2]

EDIT: My reading comprehension's not so great in this thread

It's just that SCART through my set... far as I know Chris cables are raw sync so there's nothing wrong with them.

You don't know that.

That's why I want to try Component through the Mini, that's why I'm seeking a go-between device.

I already told you what you need to transcode component! The cheapest 'go-between device' you need is probably a new RGB SCART cable.

[Rock Man]

That's not a go between device that's called just getting another cable. Which based on the first response doesn't sound like a bad idea. Why, it's the only option I haven't tried. Already sent Robert an e-mail on the matter, looks like I'll be hitting up retro gaming cables for a new SCART lead. If this doesn't do it I give-up. Thank you SGGG2!

[SGGG2]

Wait! lol, if you're using raw sync try getting a cable that uses composite sync instead, if that doesn't work try another raw sync cable from a vendor who didn't supply your original cable. If none of those fix the issue then you can consider buying a component to VGA transcoder. You should also check out the tech support forum at Neo-Geo.com

NEVER GIVE UP

NEVER SURRENDER

[SGGG2]

I apologize for the tone of my posts. They're rude and have no place in this forum. Rock Man, I often find your posts difficult to make sense of, and it sometimes seems you make little effort to understand or explore the suggestions made to you. That's out of my control. What I can control is how I react, and I promise to do so in an adult manner.

There are several anecdotes on this forum from people who switched over from an XRGB-3 to Mini and had to replace cables for some systems. If I was in your situation replacing the cable is the very first thing I'd do!

If you don't want to take chances on cables, there are reasonably priced component to VGA to component transcoders from Monoprice (likely via Amazon in the UK) or some cheap Chinese brand. They'll most likely work fine, just be aware there may not be anyone in the forum who has experience with your particular device should you encounter a problem. No transcoder will list 240p in it's feature set but most will work anyway.

There are more expensive transcoders made for home theatre enthusiasts, video production and installation purposes. They have better build quality and secondary features and benefits sometimes but the overall result may not be very different for your needs. In either case, see if you can find reviews. It's not like choosing an upscaler though, there's not too much to worry about. Keep in mind you'll need to buy a sync combiner as well to get it to work with the mini.

I personally use an XSelect-D4 from Micomsoft for my XRGB-3, it's great - but it's also long out of production, hard to find and expensive ($200+) on top of everything else.

Frankly, I'd be surprised if the cable wasn't the issue.

[Rock Man]

^All excellent suggestions. I appreciate your thoughtful reply. But rest assured, I take you guys posts veeeeeeery seriously. I do my very best to adhere to every detail. I'm just inherently slow when it comes to video and tech stuff. But it does not mean I do not explore. If I was hardly trying I wouldn't be one of the only people in Philly PA with SCART matrix switchers up the yin-yang and high quality cables and converters galore. That was all because of patrons like you who decided to help. If anything I'm honored to receive your vast knowledge of such things. I didn't detect any aggression in your previous posts... then again things fly over my head all the time. No biggy.

I will take your suggestions to heart. The only reason why I thought Chris cable was as good as it gets was because Chris assured me himself. But you're correct I have no idea for all I know if his cable COULD be the issue. Robert tells me he makes the exact same cable as Chris though. Says he'll draw the lines on his cable when he gets back to the office. Whatever that means. There is a difference between raw sync and composite sync? O_o All these years I was thinking they're the same...

Friend of mine has the X-Select I'll ask him to bring his over. I will also review those links you sent and keep them as a back-up plan. More than likely though if another cable doesn't do it I'll call it quits. Although that Monoprice is interesting. I'm familiar with their products as I do use one of their HDMI switchers for the Meister and 360.

Hey! I just thought of something. It might help if I posted a screencap of the NG in SCART through the XRGB-3. Assuming my Galaxy Note is strong enough to extract every detail it should provide a little more insight to my problem. I'll get on it ASAP.

[SGGG2]

What are the best Transcoders for

YPbPr --> VGA/RGBHV/31khz RGB
YPbPr --> RGBS/15khz RGB
VGA --> YPbPr
RGBS --> YPbPr

RGB (Scart) to YUV: easily to be found on eBay ($40). Quality's ok. Some cheaper units might show a tiny bit of red bleeding. Reference would be the Micomsoft XSelect-D4, but it's expensive, hard to find and uses J-Scart.

YUV (progressive) to VGA: cheap and good to be found with the Lenkeng PSP Scaler LKV7000. My reference is the Burosch Con-1 (extremely hard to find). Very good are those transcoders available at Curtpalme.com for about $120-160.

YUV (15khz) to RGB Scart: rarely seen. The Hama Video Converter 2-3 should do this.

VGA to YUV (progressive): Kramer FC-14 (reference) or the ones available at Curtpalme.com.


In other words: Scart to YUV and YUV to VGA are pretty easy and cheap to find. YUV to Scart is rare, but not impossible. VGA to YUV hardly used nowadays, so it's a bit pricey...

And (drumrolls....) the Burosch Con-2 should actually do all four kinds of conversions, but it's so damn rare that I haven't succeeded in finding one over the past 5 years. The XSelect-D4 also does VGA to YUVp, YUVp to VGA, RGBs to YUVi and in theory also YUVi to RGBs, but it uses D-Terminal for it's YUV output.

From here.

And akumajo is a fan of the Mayflash device I linked in my last post.