Questions that do not deserve a thread

[Lord of Pirates]

I'm going to keep all of my handhelds solely inside my room. They will not be leaving my room ever, and I will take extreme care of them.

Do you think I still need a screen protector and protector case for them? Systems in question are a GameBoy Color, GameBoy Advance, GameBoy Advance SP, DS Lite, DSi XL, Vita and a New 3DS.

The reason why I'm hesitant about applying screen protectors is because they will obviously degrade the image quality. Even tempered glass is not perfect, and I definitely don't want to use tempered glass on dual screen systems since touchscreen functions do not work with them on and having the tempered glass on the top screen only throws off the image consistency from a naked/plastic screen protected bottom screen.

I'd get screen protectors if you want to keep screens in pristine condition. As long as it's halfway decent and you replace it whenever it gets noticeably scuffed/damaged it shouldn't affect your viewing enjoyment. It's not as if handhelds have amazingly good screens.

[Ikaruga11]

Vacuum chamber bank vault. It's the only way.

Haha

I'm going to keep all of my handhelds solely inside my room. They will not be leaving my room ever, and I will take extreme care of them.

Do you think I still need a screen protector and protector case for them? Systems in question are a GameBoy Color, GameBoy Advance, GameBoy Advance SP, DS Lite, DSi XL, Vita and a New 3DS.

The reason why I'm hesitant about applying screen protectors is because they will obviously degrade the image quality. Even tempered glass is not perfect, and I definitely don't want to use tempered glass on dual screen systems since touchscreen functions do not work with them on and having the tempered glass on the top screen only throws off the image consistency from a naked/plastic screen protected bottom screen.

I'd get screen protectors if you want to keep screens in pristine condition. As long as it's halfway decent and you replace it whenever it gets noticeably scuffed/damaged it shouldn't affect your viewing enjoyment. It's not as if handhelds have amazingly good screens.

Yeah, I'm thinking about getting plastic screen protectors solely for the touchscreen. Using a stylus or finger is bound to scratch the touchscreen sooner or later.

[Lord of Pirates]

My DS Lite touchscreen is moderately scuffed after years of use without a protector.

[Guspaz]

Ouendan/Elite Beat Agents is murder on the touchscreen.

[Sgt.Wafer]

Does the Gamecube SD media launcher work with a Japanese system? The dropdown list in the ordering page only has options for Euro and US.

http://uk.codejunkies.com/Products/SD-M ... 0580V.aspx

[BuckoA51]

Can anyone point me to the latest and greatest custom firmware for a PSP Go please? Yes I have Googled it, there's dozens of different tutorials and links.

[ZellSF]

I'm going with PRO 6.61. No need for a tutorial. Download, copy to memory stick, launch installer first time you want to run CFW, fast recovery subsequent times.

By subsequent times, I mean that it's a temporary CFW that will have to be reloaded whenever you turn your PSP off (considering how good the PSP's sleep mode is, this shouldn't be often). Some may disagree, but I say installing permanent CFW solutions is not worth the (small) risk of bricking just to save 10 seconds whenever you start your PSP from hard power off.

Might want to stick with 6.60 if you haven't upgraded. Not sure, but some plugins might not work on 6.61.

[Xer Xian]

@Sgt.Wafer: Unfortunately neither of those will work without a Japanese-region Freeloader (or the older version, which was region-free). Datel released the SD media launcher in Japan as well, but it's really difficult to find nowadays. I suspect that like for the Freeloader, the first version of the SD media launcher wasn't region locked, but I've never owned it and can't confirm that. This one is still quite difficult to find anyway.

---

I've received a DVDO VP50 today. It came with firmware 1.03 pre-installed - do I really need to update it to the latest version (i.e. did it add anything significant from a videogaming point of view)? If yes, can anyone suggest me a Serial-to-USB adapter or cable that is guaranteed to work correctly (with Win7 or 10)? Also, is it normal for this thing to get so hot after just half an hour of testing (both the unit and the power brick)? I bought it pretty much brand new.

[Guspaz]

It's also worth pointing out that region-free mods for the GameCube don't work on the Datel discs. I can put a retail NTSC game in my PAL cube using a XenoGC, or even just a burnt disc, but the Datel SDML disc won't boot. The same disc does boot in my NTSC Wii.

[Fudoh]

I've received a DVDO VP50 today. It came with firmware 1.03 pre-installed - do I really need to update it to the latest version (i.e. did it add anything significant from a videogaming point of view)?

On the earlier FW versions there was bug which caused increased processing delay for progressive sources. So, just check which delay you get with a 480p or 720p source (with PREP and cadence detection disabled).

[Xyga]

can anyone suggest me a Serial-to-USB adapter or cable that is guaranteed to work correctly (with Win7 or 10)

I've used this one: http://www.digitus-professional.com/en/ ... /da-70156/
Worked correctly for me but the manual was obsolete or flawed and I had to guess some of the steps for intallation and use.
Can't remember at all since it's been way too long, but if you're reasonably familiar with Windows peripherals and drivers oddities in general, you should be able to manage like I did.

[BuckoA51]

I'm going with PRO 6.61. No need for a tutorial. Download, copy to memory stick, launch installer first time you want to run CFW, fast recovery subsequent times.

By subsequent times, I mean that it's a temporary CFW that will have to be reloaded whenever you turn your PSP off (considering how good the PSP's sleep mode is, this shouldn't be often). Some may disagree, but I say installing permanent CFW solutions is not worth the (small) risk of bricking just to save 10 seconds whenever you start your PSP from hard power off.

Might want to stick with 6.60 if you haven't upgraded. Not sure, but some plugins might not work on 6.61.

Sounds fine to me, but where's a reliable/safe download link? There seems to be all kinds of files thrown in places like Mediafire etc.

[ZellSF]

I've received a DVDO VP50 today. It came with firmware 1.03 pre-installed - do I really need to update it to the latest version (i.e. did it add anything significant from a videogaming point of view)?

On the earlier FW versions there was bug which caused increased processing delay for progressive sources. So, just check which delay you get with a 480p or 720p source (with PREP and cadence detection disabled).

Did you forget, the issue with the VP50 is that you can't disable cadence detection. That's what causes the input lag and some compatibility issues with the OSSC. I think you mentioned that enabling PReP could help as a workaround.

I would say you definitely should upgrade to 1.09. I would avoid USB to RS-232 adapters if possible, those always cause all sorts of weird issues.

Also, is it normal for this thing to get so hot after just half an hour of testing (both the unit and the power brick)? I bought it pretty much brand new.

It's normal for the DVDO VP50 to get pretty hot yes. No clue about the power brick since I'm using an unofficial one, but I would guess so. Maybe check you're using a good PSU (official would be best) as there's some power supplies I've seen on eBay for DVDO processors that seemed sort of dodgy.

Sounds fine to me, but where's a reliable/safe download link? There seems to be all kinds of files thrown in places like Mediafire etc.

Does it really matter? You're only running the software on your PSP. There's not really a whole lot of malicious software that runs on a PSP. I'd search for it in Wololo's forums.

[BuckoA51]

Does it really matter? You're only running the software on your PSP. There's not really a whole lot of malicious software that runs on a PSP. I'd search for it in Wololo's forums.

Sorry, I'd actually heard there were quite a few ways to brick your console and even some maliciously uploaded firmware just for that purpose. Thanks for the link you PM'd me though.

[ZellSF]

Does it really matter? You're only running the software on your PSP. There's not really a whole lot of malicious software that runs on a PSP. I'd search for it in Wololo's forums.

Sorry, I'd actually heard there were quite a few ways to brick your console and even some maliciously uploaded firmware just for that purpose. Thanks for the link you PM'd me though.

Don't run the CIPL flasher (unless you really want to try it, I would not recommend it).

[Xer Xian]

Apparently selectable cadence detection was added with the final firmware:

iScan VP50 1.09 Beta Software (January 28, 2009)

New Features:
• Supports the ability to turn Progressive Cadence Detection On and Off. Progressive Cadence Detection is beneficial when the input frame rate and output frame rate are different. For example, if the input frame rate is 60Hz and the content is film-based (24fps) and the output frame rate is set to 24Hz (or a multiple of 24) than this feature should be set to ON.

Bug Fixes:
• Fixed problem when there may be a small horizontal shift on analog output with XGA resolution
• Fixed power up issues on certain units where noise is observed on the output

So yeah, if that feature adds processing lag I guess fw upgrade is necessary. I've read a bit about serial to USB interfaces (thanks Xyga for your input, but I'd rather not have to go driver hunting) and people generally suggest products with an FTDI Chip. I was going to get one of those, but apparently some of them may have some compatibility issues with the iScan line (link) so I decided to go for a Serial to PCI card (this one, but from Amazon Italy - there are cheaper/older ones from the same manufacturer as well, but I've read compatibility is iffy).

And yeah, my VP50 and everything that came with it are/were brand new, they still heat up like bitches I feel like I need to complement it with some external cooling or it may not last the summer (it gets pretty damn hot over here). Not that I will use it that much since I generally pair my OSSC with a PC CRT monitor, but better be safe than sorry I guess.

[Xyga]

^ Oh but it worked! both vp30 and 50 Pro updated with it. All the drivers are available today if you checked the link. It's just that with that sort stuff there's always some quirks and you might have to improvise (here the manual didn't describe the several steps 100% accurately, but DVDO's guide didn't as well iirc, some steps were told in the wrong order, options or menus sounding slightly different in places)
Actually I think it failed once and I somewhat-bricked one of the VPs, had to force a hard reset and do it again.
I always expect some trouble in these situations, just look at it; working serial communication between an old-ass external device and a modern Win PC? lol no way it'll be plug-and-play/foolproof whether you pick an USB adapter or a PCI card.

[orange808]

I was worried about the vp50 before I owned one. It turned out to be just fine.

My iScan vp50 did not have compatibility problems with the OSSC. From my experiences, it's general ability to handle input signals was identical to the vp50pro.

There were no input lag bugs in the last firmware that I found. I don't think there are any. The vp50 stands tall because it doesn't have the nasty 20ms DVDO Edge input lag bug with NTSC N64 and PCE/TG16. 480p and higher progressive sources came through the iScan vp50 in 6ms. (The camera suggested about half a frame and the Leo Bodnar devices verified it.)

The vp50 has the most features per millisecond of latency/lag that I've ever seen--and I've been actively hunting. Yes, that includes the slower vp50pro.

[BuckoA51]

How is the 50 pro slower?

[Xyga]

The vp50 has the most features per millisecond of latency/lag that I've ever seen--and I've been actively hunting. Yes, that includes the slower vp50pro.

What do you mean slower Pro?

[orange808]

The vp50 has the most features per millisecond of latency/lag that I've ever seen--and I've been actively hunting. Yes, that includes the slower vp50pro.

What do you mean slower Pro?

Take a camera after it. The Leo Bodnar confirmed it. I doubted it for a long time, but I am sure if it now on mine.

Mine is 10ms delay. No doubt about it.

I already thought of the potential variables and eliminated them. The vp50 got 6ms.

If somebody has a 720p Leo Bodnar that can show 6ms difference (versus directly connecting the Bodnar to the display), I will know my vp50pro is a bad unit. But, I really don't think so.

I think I have a thread about it. Need someone to confirm otherwise, but I'm feeling certain it's 10ms.

[Xyga]

Mine (1080p version) gives me 12ms on a display that's got 6ms, so that's still 6ms...

EDIT: maybe it has to do with how the LB works.

[orange808]

Mine (1080p version) gives me 12ms on a display that's got 6ms, so that's still 6ms...

EDIT: maybe it has to do with how the LB works.

I use the 720p Bodnar to test upscaling.

I really don't think it's the Leo Bodnar. My camera tests with a 720p HiDefNES or OSSC line triple NESRGB or SNES inputs were always behind the vp50.

I stumbled onto the issue when I upgraded to vp50pro. I doubted it for months and I thought I was crazy. But, the Leo Bodnar has been very reliable about matching camera observarion with multiple scalers since.

Maybe mine is a bad unit. Maybe not. It's 10ms.

I'll share some pics later. Can you do the same?

[Xyga]

So how do you explain that I get a perfect 6ms?

I wouldn't draw too quick conclusions, the LB is a black box, iirc it's basically a timer matched to the number of lines, there's a reason why we have a 720p and a 1080p version I think, and why Rtings and also other websites now go through the trouble of multiplying its output before testing a display.

The VP50 Pro also has a number of differences with the base VP50, and camera tests aren't easy to do right.

I'd suggest trying with a 1080p bodnar (sell the 720p one unless you're going to buy what's needed to multiply it without delay to the target's native resolution, but that wouldn't be very useful since most interesting screens to test are either 1080p or 4K)
There's too many things that can go wrong in that kind of testing, you should always eliminate a device that you already know isn't ideal in the testing setup.

I'll share some pics later. Can you do the same?

Seriously? Dude I even tested with the Pro set to 720p60: same 6ms as expected.

[orange808]

So how do you explain that I get a perfect 6ms?

I wouldn't draw too quick conclusions, the LB is a black box, iirc it's basically a timer matched to the number of lines, there's a reason why we have a 720p and a 1080p version I think, and why Rtings and also other websites now go through the trouble of multiplying its output before testing a display.

The VP50 Pro also has a number of differences with the base VP50, and camera tests aren't easy to do right.

I'd suggest trying with a 1080p bodnar (sell the 720p one unless you're going to buy what's needed to multiply it without delay to the target's native resolution, but that wouldn't be very useful since most interesting screens to test are either 1080p or 4K)
There's too many things that can go wrong in that kind of testing, you should always eliminate a device that you already know isn't ideal in the testing setup.

True, but the camera isn't a black box, Xyga. I think this is related to the DVDO black boxes.

Four extra milliseconds pushes my display to a frame of lag. The gap is obvious.

I really don't see the value is passing through 1080p without scaling it, but I can try it. I have both right now.

Telling me that plugging the 720p directly into the DVDO and plugging the DVDO into my display is somehow "unreliable" is silly. You're trolling me.

[Xyga]

True, but the camera isn't a black box, Xyga. I think this is related to the DVDO black boxes.

Four extra milliseconds pushes my display to a frame of lag. The gap is obvious.

Everything is a potentila black box when there's a discrepancy and something we're missing, never assume you know the culprit before you're eliminated the discrepancy step-by-step.

I really don't see the value is passing through 1080p without scaling it, but I can try it. I have both right now.

You have a 1080p LB too? Well what are you waiting for? Do the same test with it, and it's not 'passing through' anyway.

[orange808]

Results here.
Middle measurement.

Leo Bodnar to Vizio D series 2016

Spoiler

Spoiler

Leo Bodnar > DVDO iScan vp50pro > Vizio D series 2016

Spoiler

Spoiler

[Xyga]

Is it with a 1080p bodnar? What's your display's base lag? (only top bar we don't need th others)

EDIT: don't go through the trouble of posting pics, if you tell the parameters and the resulting figures it's all fine.

[orange808]

True, but the camera isn't a black box, Xyga. I think this is related to the DVDO black boxes.

Four extra milliseconds pushes my display to a frame of lag. The gap is obvious.

Everything is a potentila black box when there's a discrepancy and something we're missing, never assume you know the culprit before you're eliminated the discrepancy step-by-step.

I really don't see the value is passing through 1080p without scaling it, but I can try it. I have both right now.

You have a 1080p LB too? Well what are you waiting for? Do the same test with it, and it's not 'passing through' anyway.

I know it's going through the DVDO and being processed.

I noticed this months ago and I knew it would trigger this response. I spent some time thinking about it. I spent time trying to get the 6ms. At first, I thought I could identify a problem and fix it.

[orange808]

Is it with a 1080p bodnar? What's your display's base lag? (only top bar we don't need th others)

EDIT: don't go through the trouble of posting pics, if you tell the parameters and the resulting figures it's all fine.

It's in the pics, mate.

We can do 720 Leo Bodnar to VGA monitor as well. It's the same.