PAL RF signal questions...

[dave4shmups]

Let's say that I got a PAL computer, like an Amiga, or a PAL console-could I plug an RF cable from either PAL device and have it work on my American (CRT) TV? I know that there are PAL-NTSC video converters that will do composite-HDMI, and SCART to HDMI, but I don't know about RF. I haven't found any, at least.

I know that PAL RF uses UHF, but there are UHF channels in this country.

[Fudoh]

no, they are not compatible. You cannot use NTSC consoles through RF on PAL displays and vice versa. Multi-format compatibility only started with composite.

If you need to make it work, you get an external PAL tuner (VHS oder DVD recorder), output through composite from there and convert then.

[RocketKnight]

You could also purchase a discrete PAL RF demodulator, but unfortunately those are quite expensive. Fudoh's recorder solution should be significantly cheaper.

[dave4shmups]

You could also purchase a discrete PAL RF demodulator, but unfortunately those are quite expensive. Fudoh's recorder solution should be significantly cheaper.

Yeah, I've seen those for sale on line, and they are insanely expensive. Thanks for the advice! There's been a lot of talk lately about SCART-HDMI, but then there are others who say that you should absolutely NEVER play retro games on an HDTV, due to things like input lag.

[RocketKnight]

There's been a lot of talk lately about SCART-HDMI, but then there are others who say that you should absolutely NEVER play retro games on an HDTV, due to things like input lag.

Sure, 15 kHz signals are displayed best on a CRT, but sooner or later there won't be any working CRTs anymore so that all of us will have to connect our old consoles and computers to LCD or OLED displays. Nevertheless, keeping the input lag so low that even action titles can be played well is possible by choosing the right equipment. Since the manufacturers do not provide the necessary information, you are reliant on independent review sites dedicated to gaming that unfortunately are quite rare.

[dave4shmups]

There's been a lot of talk lately about SCART-HDMI, but then there are others who say that you should absolutely NEVER play retro games on an HDTV, due to things like input lag.

Sure, 15 kHz signals are displayed best on a CRT, but sooner or later there won't be any working CRTs anymore so that all of us will have to connect our old consoles and computers to LCD or OLED displays. Nevertheless, keeping the input lag so low that even action titles can be played well is possible by choosing the right equipment. Since the manufacturers do not provide the necessary information, you are reliant on independent review sites dedicated to gaming that unfortunately are quite rare.

Good points.