Questions that do not deserve a thread

[atheistgod1999]

Are there any good alternatives to the stiff-as-hell first-party Atari VCS/2600 joysticks? I mean one designed for the console, not a Genesis or Master System controller.

[fafangus]

HI guys
Does anyone know how to buy a JP21 scart extension (m/f - like 1.5 m - with no adapter) here in europe, or in japan ?
Thanks

[Fudoh]

a European scart extension cable should work on a JP21 cable as well, since it just forwards the input pinout. Better check twice before using it, but certainly worth looking into it.

[fafangus]

Ah ah again thanks Fudoh ^^
Anyone to confirm that ?
I guess I could try it on the rgb input of the mini - it's protected regarding the other xrgb rgb input ?
It's for use with my old xrgb (1 and 2) because the yuv signal out of my xselect is not recognise by them

[CkRtech]

Anyone to confirm that ?

Depends on how it was made. I would hope we could assume the wires are straight through, but it seems like manufacturers could cut costs by chaining all of the ground pins together and tying them to shield ground (Pin 21) on either extension. The ground pins are not all the same between the two connector types, and that is not good.

[Xyga]

Lots of scart extension cables are wired lazily indeed, and of course there's no way to check before purchasing.

Last I had even used several same-color wires just to make it more difficult to test and repair/resolder.

[fafangus]

Yes have to check it :
What came in must came out the same way (sames pin in/out) ?

[FinalBaton]

Do all Pioneer DVR's with a component out have an equally good comb filter? from the early ones to the most recent ones?

I'm looking for a comb filter for my VHS deck (Sony SVO). I would then use the DVR's "component out" to a capture card, or to my Samsung plasma (f4500).
I would also use the DVR as a comb filter for consoles that are yet to be RGB modded (Atari 2600, PC Engine. I will RGB mod them at some point, but in the meantime, a comb filter will make them more enjoyable). For those I would use the DVR's "S-video out" to my CRT RGB monitor (wich doesn't accept YPbPr, but does accept s-video).

Right now I'm looking at these Pioneer DVRs :

-231
-810H

[Fudoh]

Do all Pioneer DVR's with a component out have an equally good comb filter? from the early ones to the most recent ones?

i don't know, but when we discussed this extensively a few years ago, quite a few of the later models were equipped with the same comb filter.

I'm looking for a comb filter for my VHS deck (Sony SVO). I would then use the DVR's "component out" to a capture card, or to my Samsung plasma (f4500).

yeah, capturing still requires a little attention. Not all codecs are equally suited for interlaced SD content. The live h.264 encoders available in external capture boxes for example are fine tuned for progressive content, so with interlaced content they merge two fields before encoding them, which results is color bleeding from one field into the next due to the resolution reduction on the color channels.

But you certainly CAN achieve great results. I've done LD captures in native interlaced format which easily outclass commercaily available Blu-Rays of the same programme.

I would also use the DVR as a comb filter for consoles that are yet to be RGB modded (Atari 2600, PC Engine. I will RGB mod them at some point, but in the meantime, a comb filter will make them more enjoyable).

not sure if it's worth the effort. I'm also not sure if the Pio can retain the 240p format recognizable for all displays or processors (since it's a fully digital processing path).

Right now I'm looking at a Pioneer DVR-231

no idea, but it could be worth to look into Panasonic or Sony as well.

[FinalBaton]

Thanks Fudoh, I was hoping you would respond

re : CF for consoles
Oh well, I need a CF for VHS anyway (and this is the primary focus), so the performance with consoles is just a bonus.

re : codecs for VHS capture
Good to know, I'll ask you specificly about those at a later time when I'll be ready to capture my tapes

re : Panasonic and Sony DVR's
Some DVR's from those brands have comb filters as good as that of Pioneer DVR's? Do you mind giving me a model number or two for each brand?

Thanks in advance!

[Fudoh]

Some DVR's from those brands have comb filters as good as that of Pioneer DVR's? Do you mind giving me a model number or two for each brand?

I can't sorry - especially since US and Europe didn't share many of the models. But in general I would go for a newer Sony than for an older Pioneer. You might also keep your eyes open for defective units. A friend of mine scored a very decent Pioneer for 1 EUR since it's HDD and/or DVD drive wasn't working any longer.

[FinalBaton]

Some DVR's from those brands have comb filters as good as that of Pioneer DVR's? Do you mind giving me a model number or two for each brand?

I can't sorry - especially since US and Europe didn't share many of the models. But in general I would go for a newer Sony than for an older Pioneer. You might also keep your eyes open for defective units. A friend of mine scored a very decent Pioneer for 1 EUR since it's HDD and/or DVD drive wasn't working any longer.

Great tips!
I understand, in regard to model numbers. It didn't cross my mind that indeed, model numbers aren't the same in Europe as here.

I will never thank you enough for your time Fudoh, your input is extremely appreciated. Thank you

[cfx]

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[Fudoh]

I'm not sure how good the deinterlacing needs to be at this screen size. You might be with a classic DVDO linedoubler (iScan Pro or Ultra). After all even these were considered high end at one point and people used them on CRT projectors. Considerably better deinterlacing quality can be found in the later DVDO units (VP50 and such), but I think that's probably overkill for this screen size.

[Shuco13]

1. Is there anything I can do about buzzing / hissing audio noise in SCART connections on higher volumes? Am I correct in assuming this is a general problem present on all scart connections? I read about grounding audio to a seperate pin, breakout audio cables or digital audio mods but I wonder if there's anything else I could do.

2. Ferrite cores /beads: Does anybody use them on SCART connections? Anybody ever noticed a difference with/without?

Thanks!

[cfx]

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[FinalBaton]

Anyone has experience with Panasonic's TAU SD crt sets?

I have a line for a CT-32sl15n (flat screen with s-video and component input). it's in a store that's not open on the weekends, so I kinda have to go during work hours and this is a hassle. Wich is why I need to know if it's good beforehand : if it is, I'm interested in checking it out. If it's not, then I won't waste valuable time testing it in store.

It's for a friend whom I convinced to pick up a CRT for retro console gaming
According to the specs below, it's a 700 TVL tube, wich would be decent enough for a 32 incher, that's a good start. But that source may not be accurate. PLus : TVL ain't everything. if the set has mediocre colour reproduction, then TVL won't really get me anywhere, won't it?

Here are the only specs I could find (the official user manual is EXTREMELY thin on spec details) :
http://tv.toptenreviews.com/standard/pa ... -16225.htm

[SGGG2]

I'm not sure how good the deinterlacing needs to be at this screen size. You might be with a classic DVDO linedoubler (iScan Pro).

Just a FYI, I had an iScan Pro and couldn't stand how rounded it made the edges of everything (since it's meant for video sources). On the other hand, several forum members have used one without complaint.

[Blair]

Even if those are overkill for this use, I might go for that over one of the older ones just so I could also use it with my plasma for video sources.

I actually bought my first DVDO processor for a 13" pvm when I stated my CRT quest. anyway, I have my DVDO HD and HD+ hooked up to my PVM 20L5. I personally wouldn't bother with anything older then the HD or the HD+. with them you get 2 component/RGBs inputs and a DVI/HDMI input (plus s-video and composite) so your CRT gets lots of added options for more game systems and video sources. you can hook up a PC very easily and anything else you can really think of. 480p and 720p source's are a joy for the DVDO CRT combo. 240p can also look really nice (but you don't really need them for 240p unless you hate scanlines).

480i processing is fine, if interlaced flicker really bothers you (like me) it will improve the stability of the image greatly, however some UI elaments will still look a bit flickery mostly apparent on solid white lines (life bars and menus) and another drawback is 480i processing adds a bit of input lag, not really a problem on a CRT (way better then any LCD) but on some games your millage may very.

another drawback to 480i de-interlacing with the HD or HD+ (and maybe older units but I don't know for sure) is added motion blur, not nearly as bad as an older LCD or plasma but its still noticeable (to me at least). mostly a problem (for me) with fast scrolling and movement. (games like Sonic 2 and Dead or Alive 3 are the benchmarks I use for motion blur). 480p and above sources are perfect and free of any defects. (thats what I use them for on my 20L5)

(240p is unfortunately susceptible to the motion blur bug, as it is treated like 480i by the processor).

these issues are why I tracked down the VP50pro and the DVDO Edge green. they provide much better deinterlacing (virtually indistinguishable from progressive content) and offer even more useful inputs. the VP50pro has a faster deinterlacing engine then the Edge models (game mode 2) but on a crt (or even a fast LCD thats not much of a problem.

(Edge has a fast deinterlacing setting in its "game" mode but its a little flickery on some content, so I usually just use the normal mode for 480i games, but for all 240p and higher progressive sources I use game mode).

VP50 (and older) models have native VGA/RGB/Component out (and HDMI) but Edge models only have HDMI out, not a problem if you want to hook it up to a CRT, just use an HD furry or any of the HD furry clones (only $25 on amazon!) perfect way to connect 480p capable PVMs to an HDMI source.

on a side note, you'll probably need to get an RGB interface (to use as a sync combiner) so you can connect RGBHV sources to your CRT.

Giving your CRT HDMI options is well worth the price of admission, at least in my book.

don't know how much money you have to work with, so you might want to mention your price range for items.

[cfx]

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[Fudoh]

I'd rather buy a newer unit if for no other reason to make it less likely I'll have to deal with power supply or recapping issues.

there's a seller on ebay.com which has refurb'ed VP50 units for $180. Given the sheer amount of units, that's likely DVDO's own ex-stock. You get a 2-month warranty as well and the worst thing that can happen in the long is that the external power brick is dying and that you can replace for something like $25. The Duo is overkill. $180 for a VP50 is very reasonable and you get fantastic 480i processing.

[Blair]

Edge Green and Duo have broken 240p processing.

Not sure what you mean by that, but my Green has good 240p processing, it looks the same as my VP50pro. the scaling engine adds a bit of "ringing" but thats only noticeable on large displays, and even then its not that much of a problem. (you can adjust the picture to make it basically invisible).

[cfx]

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[Fudoh]

as far I know this way never fixed. 240p processing in GAME mode should be broken - maybe just for RGB though and not for component. It's been too long to remember the details.

[Xyga]

I don't remember if this was said or not somewhere, but does the VP50's Game Mode 2 480i processing add any ringing, or is it as good as the ABT102's ?
Someone asked me the other day, and I couldn't answer.

[FinalBaton]

So... while looking for a comb filter(in my case : a DVR as a comb filter) for watching VHS tapes on my NEC crt :

in my research, I found that some DVRs have a so called "pass-through" function, and others don't.

Is this "pass-through" something I'm gonna need?
From what I understood : "pass-through" function allows a video input to be treated by the DVR's comb filter, and nothing else.
Looks to me like it's what I would want, right?

But then again, I'm not 100% sure I understood correctly.

Can someone confirm that I need to look for a DVR with a pass-through feature?

[Fudoh]

I don't remember if this was said or not somewhere, but does the VP50's Game Mode 2 480i processing add any ringing, or is it as good as the ABT102's ?

just as good. Difference between the ABT102 and the VP50's core is the added film mode and video deinterlacing for 1080i sources. The ABT102 was very basic for these, while the VP50 is as good for 1080i as the the ABT102 is for 480i.

[Blair]

as far I know this way never fixed. too long to remember the details.

thats very strange, i haven't had any problems with 240p sources on my Edge Green. RGBs, RGBHV, or even Component. (s-video and composite are a little flakey)

240p processing in GAME mode should be broken

I think you might be remembering that backwards, 240p on the green won't work without game mode. (at least thats how it works for me).

have your 240p system hooked up, before turning it on, you must select the input with the remote and make sure game mode is "on" (for that input). then it should work just fine.

[Blair]

So... while looking for a comb filter(in my case : a DVR as a comb filter) for watching VHS tapes on my NEC crt

For VHS tapes, isn't a Time Base Corrector much more important for video quality?

what VHS deck/player are you going to be using? and what output? (composite, s-video, component)

Is this "pass-through" something I'm gonna need?

I've always thought pass-through meant it just passed on the signal to the display without altering it. (sort of how we want a pass-through function on the OSSC for 480i just in case we have it hooked to a processor or TV with better deinterlacing then what the OSSC provides on its own)

[FinalBaton]

So... while looking for a comb filter(in my case : a DVR as a comb filter) for watching VHS tapes on my NEC crt

For VHS tapes, isn't a Time Base Corrector much more important for video quality?

what VHS deck/player are you going to be using? and what output? (composite, s-video, component)

Is this "pass-through" something I'm gonna need?

I've always thought pass-through meant it just passed on the signal to the display without altering it. (sort of how we want a pass-through function on the OSSC for 480i just in case we have it hooked to a processor or TV with better deinterlacing then what the OSSC provides on its own)

Yeah thinking about it, as long as the DVR have a 480i outputs option for RGB/component that means that it will not process the input signal further than comb-filtering. I think I hadn't drank my coffee yet when I posted, haha

As for why I'm looking for a comb filter : my NEC rgb monitor has NO comb filter whatsoever! (something that even consumer TVs have). composite input on it looks atrocious. I can't use the composite input on the NEC... I just can't.

Also : I know nothing about TBCs, so I wouldn't know where to start! Can you tell me more about it?