New PVM 20M2MDU user trying to optimize N64 and Snes play

[SteveFlash]

Hi. I have recently acquired a PVM 20M2MDU. I have never used a PVM monitor before and one thing I have learned from research is there is a lot of things that can go wrong and cost money. I intend on using the monitor for Snes and N64 play. I know the the N64 especially is finicky and I have yet to mod the console. I have came across some people who say that N64 RGB gaming is not even worth it which worries me.

Before I jump in and start spending more money, would any users have some input on how to get the optimal performance out of both consoles? Also would anyone have a recommendation on who to have mod my N64 console?

Here are the pics I have from the seller, hopefully it looks as good after shipping: http://imgur.com/a/ZYNUD

Thank!

[hosser]

If you're having that CRT shipped by a courier in a box, prepare for it to arrive with a broken neckboard at the very least.

I have a 2053MD and the consoles you're interested in. My N64 is RGB modded and I think it looks great. I've read that most (all?) N64 games use a filter which means the picture is not quite as clear as one might expect, but the difference between RGB and S-Video or Composite on the N64 is still like night and day if you ask me.

As for optimizing the consoles, all you need to do is connect them via RGB SCART. For this you'll need a BNC to SCART adapter. Other than that (and modding your N64) I can't think how else you would "optimize" them. The SNES outputs RGB natively so you just need the cables and optionally a SCART switcher if you don't want to swap cables around every time you want to switch consoles.

[BazookaBen]

I think S-video looks great. It's a lot closer to RGB in quality than it is to composite. If you have a Nintendo s-video cable I would use it first just to see how you like it. If you wish it were slightly better, then you can plunk down the cash to get your 64 modded.

[hosser]

Yeah the S-Video is pretty damn good. For me though it's worth having RGB just to avoid having to correct the colours:

Here are a couple of example photos I took when I first got it modded (sorry they're not of the same scene):

S-Video

RGB

Worth mentioning that my S-Video is not a genuine Nintendo one and could be pretty poor in terms of quality.

[bobrocks95]

I have an S-Video cable and Mario's cap isn't nearly that orange. I'm guessing something was off with that cable.

[SteveFlash]

So I just got my hands on the 20m2mdu and am already running into trouble.

I do not have any systems that output RGB yet but I have an S video cable for my N64. I have plugged in the S video cable into the PVM and pushed the Line B button but it won't select the input. As in when I push the Line B button it doesn't light up or switch to that feed but all the rest of the input buttons light up when pushed. I don't know if it matter but I do not have the sound plugged in just the S video cable.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated. I won't to see some picture on this thing so bad.

[BazookaBen]

Make sure you're plugged into the input instead of the output.

[SteveFlash]

I tried both the input and the output but no luck. I just don't get it. I also tested the S video cable on another set and it works.

When I turn the monitor on the Line A (non rgb) input is lite up, then I push the Line B and nothing happens. If I click either the RBG input buttons they light up but no matter what I try if I push Line B it won't switch to it and light up.

[hosser]

I tried both the input and the output but no luck. I just don't get it. I also tested the S video cable on another set and it works.

When I turn the monitor on the Line A (non rgb) input is lite up, then I push the Line B and nothing happens. If I click either the RBG input buttons they light up but no matter what I try if I push Line B it won't switch to it and light up.

Sounds like that input is broken. It should switch to that input and light up the Line B button even if there's no signal.

[SteveFlash]

Yeah I was afraid of that. Do you think there is any chance that the button is broken and when pushed it is not making contact with what it needs?

It just seems strange that if the input was broken that somehow the monitor identifies that and overrides the button push to stay on the current input. I feel like if it was a bad input it would switch over to Line B and just display nothing or display it wrong.

Maybe I could order a remote for it and see if that has any luck selecting the input.

[BazookaBen]

It just seems strange that if the input was broken that somehow the monitor identifies that and overrides the button push to stay on the current input. I feel like if it was a bad input it would switch over to Line B and just display nothing or display it wrong.

This is my thinking too, like the point of contact is just dirty or something.

[hosser]

Yeah I was afraid of that. Do you think there is any chance that the button is broken and when pushed it is not making contact with what it needs?

It just seems strange that if the input was broken that somehow the monitor identifies that and overrides the button push to stay on the current input. I feel like if it was a bad input it would switch over to Line B and just display nothing or display it wrong.

Maybe I could order a remote for it and see if that has any luck selecting the input.

Good point. This is what happened to my PVM during shipping so I wouldn't be surprised if something inside yours was damaged during transit too.

[SteveFlash]

So is there anyway to select Line B without using the button? I have searched and there doesn't seem to be a remote but I notice there are all these remote inputs on the back. Is there anyway to control this thing via my PC?

[city41]

So is there anyway to select Line B without using the button? I have searched and there doesn't seem to be a remote but I notice there are all these remote inputs on the back. Is there anyway to control this thing via my PC?

Yes, there is. But I've never heard of anyone in the gaming community actually pulling it off.

You can see them mention controlling the monitor with a PC in the brochure:

http://www.tradeedition.com/download/pvm20m2mde.pdf

Remote/Tally
The PVM-20M2MD and PVM-14M2MD are equipped with
two types of remote control interface. A parallel interface
(REMOTE 1) controls input selection, the overscan
function and Tally. 8V DC is available to power a
customized parallel remote control unit. For versatile
system integration, these monitors can also be remotely
controlled through a D-sub 9-pin serial remote interface
complying with the RS-232C standard. Using this
interface, the PVM-20M2MD and PVM-14M2MD can be
controlled from a computer.

You should be able to find the service manual online with a little searching.

[Spacemonkey]

So is there anyway to select Line B without using the button? I have searched and there doesn't seem to be a remote but I notice there are all these remote inputs on the back. Is there anyway to control this thing via my PC?

Just tried it with a mini din 8 pin cable, connected remote ON/OFF to GND- Remote LED on the front panel came on, then connecting GND to pin 4 selected Line B.

Also turned on the Tally indicator, looks neat, may just leave it on.

[SteveFlash]

Whoa! So there is hope Let me try to get this straight because I don't want to pester you:

1) You connected a mini din 8 pin cable (like this http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/control ... details&Q=)

2) Connected remote ON/OFF to GND. What does this mean?

3) Then connecting GND to pin 4 selected Line B. What does that mean?

Sorry. I just still haven't seen any picture on this thing and am dying to see it. I have a Snes Mini Jr on the way but then it still has to be modded.

EDIT: O I kinda follow now. You are referring to the actual pins on the mini din 8 pin. So after a bit of googling it seems that a mini-din8 to a momentary button would do the trick. I have a dumb question though, is there anyway I could just do this with wires? As in momentarily push in two small wires to the pins I need? If so would I have to use a particular wire and would it matter which order I put the wires in?