XRGB-mini Framemeister

[nusilver]

Hi all,

Brand new Framemeister owner here and I'm extremely impressed by the versatility of the device! However, I'm in desperate need of some advice; I've spent hours Googling my problem and digging through this thread, and have yet to find an answer. I also have a secondary question beneath the main one below, though solving the first problem is a much higher priority for me (unless the two are related, which I doubt.)

I'm feeding my 1CHIP-01 SNES into a Samsung UN55KS9000 4K/HDR TV via a SCART/CSYNC cable from Retro Gaming Cables paired with my XRGB Mini. I'm finding results to be especially pleasing at 720p (my panel's 2160p resolution being a clean 9x multiple of the SNES's 240p), with scanlines enabled. However, on most backgrounds, I can see what looks like a kind of horizontal banding (that may not be the right word but I hope it evokes the appropriate imagery for you), wherein there are alternating lighter/darker sections between every group of four or maybe five scanlines. These are ever-present but most noticeable during vertical scrolling and huge sections of a single color.

I've attached an image of what I'm describing in the Tweet below:

https://mobile.twitter.com/nvsblgamer/s ... 76/photo/1

Setting INT_LINE to a higher number reduces visibility of this issue as it makes scanlines lighter, but it only goes away in 720P if I turn scanlines off, which isn't an option as far as I'm concerned. The problem goes away if I change the resolution to 1080p and use FBX's 4x or 5x profiles for SNES, but I find that if I change certain settings (or, for example, switch to 720p and then back to 1080p), the scanlines will become corrupted and uneven, undoing the uniformity that's accomplished in FBX's profiles. I'm not sure what is the best solution here; I like the look of SNES games at both 720p or 1080p with FBX's profiles, but both seem to have drawbacks. Ideally I'd have someone's help solving the banding issue I mentioned and then I can get back to loving my experience!

My secondary concern is this: I find having sync mode set to auto introduces v-sync issues to my SNES setup (as in, occasional frame tearing), and the only way to fix this is to turn sync mode to off. I've experienced zero adverse side-effects of turning sync off, but this is a little surprising to me because everyone recommends it stay set to auto.

I'm using the 2.03 firmware.

Thanks, everyone!

[copy]

Quick noob question

Say I have just updated my Framemeister with the latest Firmware, and I still need folder XRGBmini->EEPData for profiles... do I just delete the remaining folders, that is:

XRGBmini->EDID
XRGBmini->invdata
XRGBmini->Update

Or just XRGBmini->Update ?

Thanks!

You don't really need to delete anything. After the firmware successfully updates, there is a flag in the update files which changes from "update: yes" to "update: no" (essentially). Therefore, it won't ever try to update again from the same set of files.

[NormalFish]

Does chaining it with an XRGB Mini (Console -> OSSC -> Mini -> Monitor) with HDMI passthrough settings (and 480i deinterlacing) have any major issues?

I'm not 100% but the mini's passthrough doesn't seem to be a pure passthrough.

Anyone care to comment? I know I've seen some discussion of this but I'm not sure if a definitive answer was reached.

[Everblue]

Quick noob question

Say I have just updated my Framemeister with the latest Firmware, and I still need folder XRGBmini->EEPData for profiles... do I just delete the remaining folders, that is:

XRGBmini->EDID
XRGBmini->invdata
XRGBmini->Update

Or just XRGBmini->Update ?

Thanks!

You don't really need to delete anything. After the firmware successfully updates, there is a flag in the update files which changes from "update: yes" to "update: no" (essentially). Therefore, it won't ever try to update again from the same set of files.

Thanks for clearing that up!

[Larrs888]

Hey guys,

I would like some advice please on hooking up my XRGB Mini to a SCART switch. Basically I own a Bandridge 5-Way Manual Switch and a Hama AV100s. When I use a Male to Male Belkin Scart cable to link the XRGB Mini (via passive pass-through to mini-din) to either switch the audio buzz/hum you get with consoles over scart (minor with SNES/MD but slightly louder with my Neo Geo CMVS) is amplified quite a bit and the audio hum/buzz when the screen is very bright is a lot more noticeable.

I have read that using a Coaxial cable is better for linking the Framemeister to a switch, such as these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201678179123? ... EBIDX%3AIT
or
https://www.retrogamingcables.co.uk/aud ... packapunch

What is your advice, should I invest in one of these cabled and will it cure the problem? I really need to use a switch as I'm tired of swapping cables all the time. The picture quality is unaffected, both switch produce a great image.

Many thanks

I personally use the supplied micomsoft jp21 pin to euro scart female, then a male to male 1 meter cord from retrogamingcables to my shinybow. Not hums or hahs here. It may be the cables going from the switchbox to the consoles also, unless its happening on all of your systems.

The problem with a lot of this stuff is that you need to start swapping cords out to see which one is the real culprit, if you were local I'd come over and bring all my randoms cables and cords ><

Thanks for the reply all my cables are from RetroGamingCables.co.uk with the exception of my Neo Geo CMVS - its the Omega so the SCART cable is made my the Omega creator Quan. I get the issues with all my consoles, the Neo is the worst one but the SNES has the louder hum when going via a switch. I might try the Male to Male Coax cable from RGC and see, getting a Mini-Din to Male Scart in Coax flavour from the only source I know is in the US and costs too much to ship (retro gaming accessories).

[jdawg131]

Just wanted to chime in on the old PS2 component vs RGB debate. I can safely say that after just playing through Resident Evil 2 (Leon Scenario A) this Halloween, that the PS2 noise issue is readily apparent using component. Thomago's screens from a few years ago are right on the money. The color banding (blobs) is unmissable on the door loading screens and the character model close ups. I had actually forgotten about this issue until this week during my play through. Too bad the AV Famicom is taking the 8th (and final) slot on my RGB switch, and that I have several 480p PS2 games. It's not a deal breaking issue, but one that is obvious in certain situations without even looking for it.

[K0rN b4LL]

Is it really much of a difference between the Scart and Component? I'm gonna be getting a PS2 again soon and I'm torn between which cable to get for it. I get that component isn't handled well with the XRGB but I am not crazy about changing my Scart input settings around each time I switch between it and my Dreamcast, and having it plugged into the D terminal means I could just keep the seperate settings for each. Convenience vs clearer picture basically.

[jdawg131]

Is it really much of a difference between the Scart and Component? I'm gonna be getting a PS2 again soon and I'm torn between which cable to get for it. I get that component isn't handled well with the XRGB but I am not crazy about changing my Scart input settings around each time I switch between it and my Dreamcast, and having it plugged into the D terminal means I could just keep the seperate settings for each. Convenience vs clearer picture basically.

I went with convenience. I have a fair share of 480p games, and on top of it, the XRGB Mini will store unique settings for different resolutions (240p, 480i, and 480p) on one component video profile.

[K0rN b4LL]

Is it really much of a difference between the Scart and Component? I'm gonna be getting a PS2 again soon and I'm torn between which cable to get for it. I get that component isn't handled well with the XRGB but I am not crazy about changing my Scart input settings around each time I switch between it and my Dreamcast, and having it plugged into the D terminal means I could just keep the seperate settings for each. Convenience vs clearer picture basically.

I went with convenience. I have a fair share of 480p games, and on top of it, the XRGB Mini will store unique settings for different resolutions (240p, 480i, and 480p) on one component video profile.

I'll probably go with that as well. Now I just have to find a good component switch box to toggle between my ps2 and xbox.

[jdawg131]

I'll probably go with that as well. Now I just have to find a good component switch box to toggle between my ps2 and xbox.

I use a Key Digital (KD-CSW2X1) component switch for my PS2 and Wii. Picked it up brand new for $30 on eBay several months ago. Hovers around $20 for a used one on eBay. When it was released, it was one of the top of the line models. There is no quality loss, and it works perfectly with my Harmony remote. Built like a tank as well.

[Everblue]

Hi guys,

I am using the following cable with my Sega Saturn JP Model (White), but I keep getting vertical white banding (mostly visible on dark screens). My female scart adapter does not have a syncstripper (it is a Scart Euro 21 pin which came with it, directly form Solaris)

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sega-Saturn-ste ... xyOMdS5Txr

[jdawg131]

Hi guys,

I am using the following cable with my Sega Saturn JP Model (White), but I keep getting vertical white banding (mostly visible on dark screens). My female scart adapter does not have a syncstripper.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sega-Saturn-ste ... xyOMdS5Txr

Update:

It seems that this issue I am having happens only on my 55" Samsung. Test on a 32" Philips and 24" HP PC Monitor and I dont have this.

Weird. I know that I (and several others) have a jailbar issue with the Saturn when using RGB. There was a topic thread for the issue on this forum a couple of months ago, and the only fix was to roll the firmware back on the XRGB Mini.

[Everblue]

Looking closely on my other TVs I can see the banding as well, just fainter

The banding on my TV look like 6 really thick columns, and look white-ish. Can you please link me to the thread?

[bonzo.bits]

Looking closely on my other TVs I can see the banding as well, just fainter

The banding on my TV look like 6 really thick columns, and look white-ish. Can you please link me to the thread?

http://shmups.system11.org/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=56355

It's a common issue with no solution for current FM firmware at this time afaik.

[Everblue]

Hmmm no, it doesnt look like that. Definitely not jailbars. What I am getting is 6 equally spaced columns of vertical banding, each around 10% of the screen wide. See photo below:



Edit: It seems that the problem is identical to this:

http://assemblergames.com/l/threads/rgb ... ing.62870/

[bonzo.bits]

Doesn't appear that the Assembler users found a solution either.

Yours looks like a much worse case than mine - I can't see any problems on the startup screen. . Per the existing thread on shmups, you can try rolling back to firmware 1.07 or 1.11 (going from here, but it's around that version). I had much thinner but more numerous banding on darker colours and rolling back the firmware mostly fixed it. It does mean that you will lose some features from later firmwares, such as profiles, so it's a bit of a trade off.

[Everblue]

Doesn't appear that the Assembler users found a solution either.

Yours looks like a much worse case than mine - I can't see any problems on the startup screen. . Per the existing thread on shmups, you can try rolling back to firmware 1.07 or 1.11 (going from here, but it's around that version). I had much thinner but more numerous banding on darker colours and rolling back the firmware mostly fixed it. It does mean that you will lose some features from later firmwares, such as profiles, so it's a bit of a trade off.

The thing is.. that the Assembler guy was not even using a Framemeister. What if this is a console issue? The issue is different from the other thread on shmups, as this is not a jailbar effect.

UPDATE:

I tried the Sega Saturn directly to my TV, the picture is real crisp, but the banding is still there (maybe just slightly less visible). So this points towards a problem with the console or RGB cable issue (which I doubt)?

[Elrinth]

PS4 Pro thru framemeister... I can't get it working unless I hold down powerbutton on boot up. Which forces it into crappy resolution... Then after that I can select the option to select resolution. Then it will just keep on blinking... Like it says it's 1080p, but nothing is shown.
Ahh seems it's having trouble with "automatic" (default) to find it's proper resolution. Could ofcourse be that DRM crap.
Does the framemeister support HDMI 2.0?

[TheShadowRunner]

PS4 Pro thru framemeister... I can't get it working unless I hold down powerbutton on boot up. Which forces it into crappy resolution... Then after that I can select the option to select resolution. Then it will just keep on blinking... Like it says it's 1080p, but nothing is shown.
Ahh seems it's having trouble with "automatic" (default) to find it's proper resolution. Could ofcourse be that DRM crap.
Does the framemeister support HDMI 2.0?

It's possibly the HDMI handshake freaking up.
Try to set HDR to OFF on PS4 (instead of AUTO), and THEN connect to FM.
And/or try to toggle HDCP to OFF on PS4, it might help as well.

[theclaw]

Need some help/advice please

PAL SMS (60 HZ switch) > HD Retrovision Genesis Component Cable > FM

Works fine with native output (50hz) but when I flick the switch to 60hz, the FM outputs audio only. I've read that with this switch installed, the SMS outputs PAL60. Anyone know if this would explain why the FM doesn't display any video and how to fix this?

I don't think it's the TV, as putting the component cable direct to the TV works fines, albeit with the TV's inferior handling of 240p.

Possibly. If SMS is similar to Genesis, you're running the console at 60hz using the 50hz crystal oscillator.

[axlblazeadam]

Need some help/advice please

PAL SMS (60 HZ switch) > HD Retrovision Genesis Component Cable > FM

Works fine with native output (50hz) but when I flick the switch to 60hz, the FM outputs audio only. I've read that with this switch installed, the SMS outputs PAL60. Anyone know if this would explain why the FM doesn't display any video and how to fix this?

I don't think it's the TV, as putting the component cable direct to the TV works fines, albeit with the TV's inferior handling of 240p.

I have the same mod, but no problems when i switch to 60hz with FM.

[bonzo.bits]

I have the same mod, but no problems when i switch to 60hz with FM.

What cable do you use?

[Mikeyy00]

PS4 Pro thru framemeister... I can't get it working unless I hold down powerbutton on boot up. Which forces it into crappy resolution... Then after that I can select the option to select resolution. Then it will just keep on blinking... Like it says it's 1080p, but nothing is shown.
Ahh seems it's having trouble with "automatic" (default) to find it's proper resolution. Could ofcourse be that DRM crap.
Does the framemeister support HDMI 2.0?

Make sure HDMI 1 (or 2) direct is enabled (on the xrgb). It'll just pass the signal through to your tv vs trying to fuck with it.

[axlblazeadam]

I have the same mod, but no problems when i switch to 60hz with FM.

What cable do you use?

I think mine is from Retro Gaming Cables

[bonzo.bits]

I have the same mod, but no problems when i switch to 60hz with FM.

What cable do you use?

I think mine is from Retro Gaming Cables

Mine is fine with SCART. The only issue is with the HD Retrovision component cable.

[axlblazeadam]

Mine is fine with SCART. The only issue is with the HD Retrovision component cable.

Oh damn, sorry, i didn't catch that.

[Elrinth]

Make sure HDMI 1 (or 2) direct is enabled (on the xrgb). It'll just pass the signal through to your tv vs trying to fuck with it.

Where do you find this option?

[sentinel9096]

Hi Guys.

Super useful forumthread for the framemeister.
I have been watching from the shadows of the internet for some time now (totally creepy-like),
so i thought this was a good place to post this.

Profiles for PAL 240p Systems:

Both of these are for 1080p 50HZ unmodded PAL NES\SNES.
Unsure about other PAL 240p consoles, since i don't have any other ones.
(I assume they work fine)

I have tried 576p50, and my TV simply does not understand this signal.
I assume other people have similar issues like this.
My 1080p60 Samsung TV simply thinks it is not connected to anything.


(Thanks to Thomago for the fullscreen profile. I have made some adjustments though. )
----------
PAL 240p Scanlines:
H_POS: 32
V_POS: 32
H_WIDTH: 32
V_WIDTH: 32
H_SCALER: 4
V_SCALER: 6
SKEW: 10-16

ZOOM_SIZE: 90
ZOOM_H_POS: 60
ZOOM_V_POS: 40
ZOOM_WIDTH: 50
ZOOM_OVERSCAN: 96

Sharpness: 1
----------
PAL 240p Fullscreen (4:3):
H_POS: 64
V_POS: 29
H_WIDTH: 32
V_WIDTH: 56
H_SCALER: 4
V_SCALER: 6
SKEW: 10-16

ZOOM_SIZE: 90
ZOOM_H_POS: 43
ZOOM_V_POS: 8
ZOOM_WIDTH: 72
ZOOM_OVERSCAN: 100

Sharpness: 1
----------

If someone has a fullscreen with scanlines PAL profile please let me know.
I have tried to make one, and i cannot for the life of me get the vertical zoom\scaling to work with it.

Best Regards

[K0rN b4LL]

Make sure HDMI 1 (or 2) direct is enabled (on the xrgb). It'll just pass the signal through to your tv vs trying to fuck with it.

Where do you find this option?

Under HDMI SET, you will also need the latest firmware update or you won't have it.

[charmless]

HELP! Does anyone have settings for Gamecube (PAL/RGB). I'm going nuts trying to make my Gamecube look good through the Framemeister.